Mommy Has to Work

12 Healthy Juices & Smoothies for the New Year

January 20, 2015 By Anne

I am working with Foodie.com on this campaign.

It’s January and everyone is trying to get healthy. While I try and do that all year long this will be the first time incorporating juices and smoothies into my routine. Here are a few recipes to get me started.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

New Puppy Pictures

January 19, 2015 By Anne

Here is Ginger, our new puppy. I’ve always considered myself a cat person but Ginger is do sweet.

I bought that sweater when we first adopted her. It’s a bit too small don’t ya think? 🙂

Anne

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Coupon and More Fun Activities

January 13, 2015 By Anne

The circus is coming to town, but that’s not all!

Wednesday, January 14@ NOON— READING WITH RINGLING
Ringmaster David Shipman entertains children with a book reading and song at the Jacksonville Public Library’s Main Branch downtown.

Thursday, January 15 @ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. TRUNKS AND TRUCKIES-PUBLIC EVENT
3rd Annual Trunks & Truckies – A Food Truck Rally Event at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Come feast with the stars of Ringling Bros. Circus at Trunks and Truckies! This special event features some of Jacksonville’s best food trucks all gathered at the Veterans Memorial Arena for lunch with some very special guests: the world famous Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Asian Elephants!

Watch the elephants snack during this rare opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with the majestic pachyderms.

Still need a ticket? Buy online at www.ringling.com and enter LZPR, and save $5 off ticket price.

Anne

Taking Care of Your Car in the Winter (Giveaway)

January 12, 2015 By Anne

I am working with the International Carwash Association to share these tips. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

I love my new car. Alright it’s not new, I bought it in August 2011. But I still think of it like it’s new. I remember when I first bought it and I washed it every week. Now not so much. I still love it but there is so much going on that my car is not my number one priority. However there are some things to keep in mind during the winter.

( Okay, that’s not my car but I did drive it for a week!)

1. A clean car is your first line of defense against winter. While the winter season typically takes a toll on your car, proper maintenance can go a long way to preserving your investment. For example, according to the International Carwash Association®, getting a new wash and a fresh coat of wax before the temperature starts to fluctuate can be your first line of defense against winter elements like ice, salt, sand and slush.

Vehicular corrosion also occurs most quickly when temperatures rise and then fall below freezing. That’s why most auto manufacturers recommend getting your car washed and waxed at a professional car wash twice a month, especially during the winter.

Using a WaterSavers® Car Wash can is a strong first step to ensuring that your car will be ready to withstand the winter elements – inside and out. It’s also a great way to protect the environment. For example, these car washes typically use only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash. Learn more and find a WaterSavers wash at Washwithwatersavers.com.

Rotate your tires. Most people know they should get their oil changed every 3,000 miles, but many forget their tires need maintenance as well. Tires should be rotated before winter and then again every 6,000 miles.

Add some winter weight to your oil. Changing your oil and filter is especially important during the winter. Drivers who live in a colder climate should consider changing to heavier, winter-weight oil during the winter months.

Take care of your wiper blades. Your windshield wiper blades are your first line of defense when the snow starts to fly. Make sure your wiper blades are in good, working order and replace them if you have doubts. It’s better to make this change now instead of finding out your blades aren’t working when you really need them.

Take your car in for a tune-up. Any noises, pings or sluggish starts you currently notice will only intensify as the temperature drops. It’s best to get your vehicle in for a tune-up as soon as possible to get any issues addressed.

Give your steering some power. Check your powering steering fluid each month, and make sure the car is warmed up before you do so. If you find the level is low, look for leaks in the hoses or pump. Low power steering fluid will make your car more difficult to steer, which is something you’ll want to avoid as the roads get slick.

Protect yourself from carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous at any time, but they are especially deadly during the winter when you will be driving your vehicle with the windows closed. Have your exhaust system checked to make sure no leak exists.

Apply the brakes. Besides the seatbelt, your car’s brakes are its most important safety feature. This is especially true in the winter when slippery conditions can make stopping difficult. Before the first snow fall, bring your car to an experienced mechanic to verify that your brakes are ready for the season.

Cold winter temperatures mean vehicle maintenance is even more important. By following these simple tips listed above, you’ll be able to ward off winter’s harshest advances, protect your investment and those who ride inside of it.

To learn more about protecting the value of your vehicle, visit Washwithwatersavers.com.

Win a prize package below!

Thermal travel mug

o Fleece travel blanket

o Hand Mitt ice scraper

o $30 VISA Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Anne

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day on DMA & Blu-ray 2/10/15

January 11, 2015 By Anne

Disney’s heartwarming comedy will have your entire family laughing out loud. Based on the best-selling book, it follows the exploits of Alexander as he experiences the most terrible and horrible day of his young life and wonders if bad things only happen to him. But he discovers he’s not alone when his dad (Steve Carell), mom (Jennifer Garner) and family live through their own terrible – and hilarious – day. It will tickle everyone’s funny bone, and warm their hearts as they discover how even on rotten days, families can grow closer.

Cast: Steve Carell (Crazy, Stupid, Love, TV’s The Office) as Ben Cooper, Jennifer Garner (Dallas Buyer’s Club, TV’s Alias) as Kelly Cooper and Ed Oxenbould (Paper Planes) as Alexander Cooper, Bella Thorne (TV’s Shake It Up!) as Celia, Dylan Minnette (Prisoners, Let Me In) as Anthony Cooper.