The Angel Forever

Clorox College Survival Guide

Posted on September 3, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Monday evening, I went out to get a few things at the store. When I walked in, it looked like a tornado had been through. Then I noticed all of the people that were shopping along side me. They were mostly college students. Yes, this weekend marked the return of all of the college students in our area. As I was walking around the store, I noticed that a lot of the college kids were looking at the cleaning supplies. They were talking about cleaning things up in their dorms. It was easy to tell the upper classmen from the freshmen. The freshmen looked overwhelmed and seemed to be piling up with more items just in case.

This made me think about when I went to college. I opted to stay home because there was a college close by that I really liked. Do not let that fool you, I spent a lot of time with my friends at the dorms. I remember the filth that they encountered when they moved in. Since I lived off campus, I often helped people to drive around town. I took them to buy supplies to clean the dorm rooms. During this time, there were no cleaning wipes, it was mops, buckets, and sprays galore.I recall spending a lot of time helping them clean because the rooms were not left in the best condition and were dirty/dusty from the summer months.

Although my children are younger, I still think about the future. I know that one day they will likely head off to college and I will be "THAT" Mom worried about her kids and making a fuss.

I was recently asked by Mom Central to participate in the Clorox College Survival Guide Blog Tour. Since I know many people that have children heading off to college, and some going soon, I thought it would be a great opportunity.

To ease Moms’ concerns and prepare freshmen for college, The Clorox Company teamed up with college students and moms across the country to develop an authentic College Survival Guide. The guide serves many purposes, with helpful advice such as:

•   A "heads up" on the popular regional trends in clothing and accessories as well as activities that come along with going to school in the Midwest, the Northeast, the South, and the West Coast
•   Instructions for a "5-Minute Dorm Room Clean-Up"
•   Seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 2009 flu virus prevention tips
•   Dorm room "must-haves" for living away from home
•   Lifestyle tips from experienced Moms

You can find the Clorox College Survival Guide 2009 national edition on Mom Central. Head on over to download the PDF format and check it out for yourself. I really think the list of must have items is a great start for all college freshman. Items you may not think of include bed risers (create extra storage under your bed), fan to keep comfortable when studying, shower caddy, laundry basket (no more mom to do laundry) and many more crucial items. In addition to this, you can visit the College Survival Guide Facebook fan page to find regional editions. Head over to Facebook and search for "College Survival Guide 2009" to get started. If you have a child that is heading to college, or know someone that is encourage them to become a fan of this resource on Facebook. I know that I hope this will still be around when my boys are ready to head to college (just let that time go slow please).

There are also videos with tips for students and parents to watch. Here is a video introduction to show you more of what the Clorox College Survival Campaign is all about.

These videos are very down to earth and contain great hints from students and Moms that have been there and done that. As much as we think we know what we need, it is so easy to forget something or not realize a must have/bring to college. I hope that you find this guide and information useful.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour compaign by Mom Central on behalf of The Clorox Company and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Categories:
Blog Tour looking back

Silly faces by shy guy at bed time

Posted on September 2, 2009 12:00 am by TheAngelForever

Categories:
jsl laughs sleep Wordless Wednesday

From kindergarten to babies and beyond

Posted on September 1, 2009 8:36 am by TheAngelForever

When my son started kindergarten last year, I had a secret wish in the back of my head. I hoped that he would become friends with someone and continue on through school with that child. I was lucky enough to have this when I started school all those years ago. Back in my kindergarten days I met M and we quickly became friends. She would come over to my house, I would go to her house. We traveled all through elementary school in the same class. When we went to middle school we had a few classes together, but still remained close friends. In high school it was more difficult to have the same schedules. I still recall one of my favorite classes was Pottery and Sculpture because M and I were both in that class. It was fun seeing her and chat, plus the class was relaxing compared to all of the other academics within the day.

When we graduated from high school M went off to college not too far from here and I stayed at a local school. Time slipped by and we would e-mail each other every so often. When M was done with school she moved across the country. When she came back to visit several years later we got together. Many years had gone by, but we picked up our special friendship where it had left off. When M and her husband moved to Europe for a while we stayed in touch online. After that adventure they came back and settled in this area.

On Sunday I went to M’s baby shower. She and her husband F are expecting their first little one in just a few weeks. Each time I was introduced to someone we explained how we met in kindergarten. It made me smile and think of what an accomplishment that is. M and I may not see each other as much as we did when we were little, but our friendship has lasted over two dozen years – that is saying something.

M has watched me as I became a mother and now I will be able to see her in that new role. I look forward to meeting her little one and watching him/her grow up.

Moosekin, I wish you and F only the best as you begin this new adventure in life. I know that both of you are going to be amazing parents. Remember to enjoy this special time, learn as you go along and savor the moments because they truly grow up too quickly. It seems like just yesterday when we were in kindergarten together and look at us now!

Categories:
friends fun looking back me moments weekend yummy

Disney On Ice – Fall/Winter ’09-’10

Posted on August 31, 2009 4:04 pm by TheAngelForever

As a child, my family went to Walt Disney World almost every summer. During the winter, I also have fond memories of going to see Disney On Ice. My husband and I would love to go to Disney World each year, but it is not in the finances right now. We have been lucky and gone to see Disney on Ice at our local arena several times with our oldest son. Last year, my parents and I brought my oldest son. This was just around the time that we booked our first family trip to Walt Disney World for May.

We saw the 100 Years of Magic show and it was amazing. I loved watching my son’s face as he saw the stage on the ice for the first time, and then witnessed all of the familiar characters skate by. Nana and Papa even splurged and bought him some Mickey binoculars.

I was recently asked by Mom Central to participate in a Disney on Ice Blog Tour to share information about their latest tours on behalf of Feld Entertainment. As a parent, I can stand behind this show because it was well worth the money and the show is a class act. Everyone big and small will be mesmerized with the shows. Here is some information about the shows traveling this year along with a special offer.

Mom Central is excited to extend the following special family offers; look for the box marked "MC Promotion" when purchasing tickets:

*Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels. Offer good on all weekday performances, which includes all weekday evening and Friday matinee performances; minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.
*Offer #2: All weekend performance tickets will be $4 off the original price
Offer #3: Get the best Front Row and VIP seats available – We have reserved seats in the Front Row and VIP sections just for you! No discounts available on these seats. Use the code MOM.

*Not valid on Front Row or VIP seats or combined with other offers including opening night offers. Other fees may apply.

The above offers are good in the following cities:

St. Louis: September 3-6, 2009
Chicago: September 8-13, 2009
Sunrise: September 17-20, 2009
Dayton/Cincinnati: September 17-27, 2009
Miami: September 23-27, 2009
Auburn Hills: September 30 – October 4, 2009
Charlotte: October 8-11, 2009
Philadelphia: October 14-18, 2009
Atlanta: October 14-18, 2009
Oakland/San Jose: October 14-25, 2009
Fairfax: October 21-25, 2009
Sacramento: October 28 – November 1, 2009
Baltimore: October 28 – November 1, 2009
Uniondale: November 10-15, 2009
Houston: November 11-15, 2009
NYC: November 17-22, 2009
East Rutherford: November 24-29, 2009
Denver/Broomfield: December 3-13, 2009 *available for purchase on 9/12/09
St. Paul: December 9-13, 2009
Los Angeles: December 17-20, 2009
Toronto: December 18-27, 2009
Anaheim: December 22-27, 2009
Philadelphia: December 23 – January 3, 2010 *available for purchase on 10/12/09
Boston: December 26-29, 2009 *available for purchase on 9/3/09
Ontario: December 30 – January 3, 2010
Cleveland: January 8 -18, 2009 *available for presale on 10/2/09

Shows coming this fall & winter:

Disney On Ice presents Celebrations! It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Enjoy a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe. Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown!

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy: Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy. Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar’s CARS race across the ice. Dive into The Little Mermaid’s enchanting undersea kingdom and experience the ‘Circle of Life’ with The Lion King. Then enter the mystical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies as they reveal the magic that lies within! From wheels to waves, Pride Lands to pixie dust, your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories.

Special Bonus! Come see a Disney princess and a dazzling display of gorgeous gowns at the Disney Princess Pre-Show starting one hour before show time! Complimentary to all ticket holders.

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic: Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and all the Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics: Dreams really do come true! Disney On Ice is proud to bring you a dazzling tale of hope, heart, heroism and hilarity as Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics. This stunning spectacle is an awe-inspiring and fun-filled journey to the magical lands of Disney’s classic fairy tales. Travel to a kingdom under the sea, an enchanted palace in France, an Arabian castle and more! Enter the fantasy worlds of your favorite Disney princesses – Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and Snow White – as they bring magic to your city in this royal skating extravaganza.

To learn more about Disney On Ice shows touring the country this year and to find shows in your area, visit the Disney On Ice site. And don’t forget to use the special discount code when purchasing tickets online! I just used the website and now know that the Celebrations show is coming to our area in December.

I know that my family will be going, will yours?

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Feld Entertainment. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Categories:
Blog Tour Disney fun looking back show

Chinese food at home with Wanchai Ferry frozen entrée – Giveaway

Posted on August 30, 2009 8:08 pm by TheAngelForever

Chinese food is one of my absolute favorite items to splurge with and eat out. Of course, these days we do this less frequently thanks to budgets and trying to save money.

Recently, I was asked by My Blog Spark to review a sample of the new Wanchai Ferry frozen entrée. I thought it sounded like a great concept and wanted to try it.

Each frozen entrée has all the ingredients needed to prepare a great-tasting, complete Chinese meal for 2 in only 14 minutes! They come in five delicious flavors including Orange Chicken, Shrimp Lo Mein, Spicy Garlic Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken and Sweet & Spicy Shrimp. Additionally, all of the entrees have no added MSG!

I was sent a package of the Orange Chicken variety along with a Wanchai Ferry "Stay-At-Hom" prize pack (one being offered to a lucky reader here on The Angel Forever – please see details below). Thursday, the boys and I went to spend the afternoon with my mother. I brought along my Orange Chicken package to make for the two of us for lunch.

When I opened up the package there was a sauce packet, microwave rice steam bag, vegetables and package with chicken.

First, I heated some oil in a pan and tossed the chicken in to brown up. This only took 4-5 minutes.

Once the chicken was out, the veggies, sauce and some water went in for a few additional minutes to warm up. At the same time, my mother tossed the rice bag into the microwave.

The rice was finished just in time to put the chicken back in with the vegetables and sauce.

The sauce thickened up nicely and everything was ready to be plated. Here is our lunch all ready to eat:

Our thoughts:

My mother and I were the ones that ate this meal. Both of us felt that it was a nice option to have at home for a quick and easy Chinese meal. The flavor of the sauce was very good. We thought that by making it another time the speed of preparation would have been better (I was not in my kitchen – so that hindered things some). Each of us felt that we would probably like something along with the meal, soup or salad if this was going to be our dinner. My suggestion was to add some additional frozen vegetables to the sauce to make it more filling and add still keep it on the healthy side. There was plenty of sauce and we felt it would work nicely. Since we keep kosher at our house, I could see making these when I visit my parents.

Where to buy:

You can purchase your own Wanchai Ferry meals in your grocer’s frozen food section and be sure to print out a $1.50 off coupon before you go. You can also find tips to enhance your Wanchai Ferry Frozen entrée on their website.

Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive their own Wanchai Ferry "Stay-At-Home" prize pack which includes two coupons for a Wanchai Ferry Frozen entrée of your choice and an Asian inspired meal set (pictured below):

Rules for Giveaway:

MAIN RULE – Answer one of the following questions: What is the best fortune from a fortune cookie that you ever received? OR What is your favorite Chinese Food dish?
1 Bonus Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
1 Bonus Entry – Follow me on Twitter @TheAngelForever
1 Bonus Entry per day – Tweet about the giveaway. Be sure to include @TheAngelForever and Wanchai Ferry frozen entrée in the Tweet. Please leave a direct link to your Tweet in a separate comment for each daily entry.
1 Bonus Entry – Add TheAngelForever to your blog roll and leave a separate comment.
1 Bonus Entry – Add me to your favorites on Technorati. Be sure to leave your user name for me to check in.
1 Bonus Entry – Look around my blog and leave me a comment on another post. Please let me know which post you went to here so you get the bonus entry.
1 Bonus Entry – Head over to my hubby’s blog TechyDad and leave him some comment love. Be sure to let me know which post on the comments here for your bonus entry.
3 Bonus Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog about the Wanchai Ferry giveaway. Be sure to leave 3 comments about this to get credit for all of your extra entries

To enter, please follow the rules above within the comment section. Contest starts today August 30th and ends at 10:59 EST on September 9, 2009. You do not have to be a blogger to enter, but must leave a valid e-mail address for me to contact you for mailing address once the giveaway is over. I will select the winner using random.org and contact you via e-mail. You will have 48 hours to claim the prize. If there is no response, another winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents only.

Disclosure: This review and giveaway was made possible by My Blog Spark. They provided me with the package of Wanchai Ferry frozen entrée and the prize pack. The opinions of this review were mine and I received no other compensation.