Fun Stuff — Page 15

Exploding Mountains and Baby Turtle Fights Hurricane Irene…

I’ve read so many scary Facebook updates from my blogging buddies on the East Coast…. So, BIG PRAYERS go out to everyone over that way who is preparing for mean ol’ Hurricane Irene this weekend. So scary.

Exploding Mountains of Fire….

I live up here in Central Washington State– Yakima, Washington, to be exact. We don’t get hurricanes, so I can’t even imagine what it’s like to be facing the prospect of one headed your way. We do get heat. Big time heat. And we do get snow. Loads of snow. And once in awhile, we get exploding mountains. A few days before I was born, Mt. St. Helens blew. And I’ve heard the stories. Volcano’s are pretty nasty ladies too.

The mountain blew on May 18th, 1980. I was born on May 22nd, 1980. Imagine- You’re due any day, and you look out back, and you see a weird rain. It’s dark, not water, not snow. You listen to the radio to hear that a local mountain has exploded. The warnings come fast and frantic, and contradict each other non-stop. Don’t let it touch you. Wear a mask. No, shovel it away, it’s fine. Don’t drink your water. Don’t worry. Stock up on supplies quickly. Don’t leave your home. And you have a baby in your belly who doesn’t care about all that, and will make an appearance soon anyway.

My dad rushed to the corner store to stock up as quick as he could. He came home with beer, potato chips, and cigarettes. He’s a quick thinker, right?

Then, momma went into labor. Luckily, they were able to make it to the hospital, although cars could barely run– the ash would clog up the filters, and you had to stop to clean things every few blocks. Most of the little girls born that week were named Helen, or Ashley. Mom named me last minute…. Meagan. I had a lot of Ashley’s and Helen’s in my school classes.

Hurricane Irene

I have been watching this storm quite a bit…. Hooked, kind of. So worried for the friends –both in real life, and those that I only know online– that I have in the area. The online gaming buddies that my boyfriend plays with told him about an hour ago that they had to get offline, things were getting crazy, people were panicking a bit, and they had to get ready.

Storm Tracker

So I’ve been watching this– Hurricane Irene Storm Tracker, where you can see the path of the storm, updated live. If you too have friends or family there, you might find this comforting/terrifying too, depending on where the storm is compared to where your people are.

I hope that if you’re in the area, you’re ready. Not panicked, just safe and prepared.

This baby turtle clearly overestimates his hurricane-fighting abilities. He may even be like, a turtle-ninja of some sort. Still, he should be running the other way, sturdy shell or not. No one, not even a baby-ninja-turtle, should be taking chances in a hurricane.

Be safe, Please.

Don’t be like baby turtle. Everyone, please take care. Be safe. Get out of the way. Property is NEVER worth compromising your safety, right? I know that baby turtle is saying, to heck with this, I’m going in!! But don’t do it. Also, please do not be one of the brave-but-totally-crazy risk-takers who ran out into the middle of the storm while it was in the Bahama’s to take video to post on YouTube like this guy —>

I know, I know. I’m a mom now, and I can’t help it. I have to lecture and warn and convince you to stay out of trouble. It’s what mom’s do.

Let me know…. Are you preparing for the storm? Have you experienced a hurricane before? Do you have loved one’s in Hurricane Irene’s path? I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about it all….

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 26, 2011 Filed Under: Fun Stuff | 1 Comment

New Family Movie Night- Game Time: Tackling the Past

Family Movie Night – Game Time: Tackling the Past

P&G and Walmart have partnered once again for a new Family Movie Night! The newest movie, Game Time: Tackling the Past, airs on NBC Saturday, September 3rd, at 8pm ET/7pm CT.

P&G and Walmart partnered for Family Movie Night to help you rediscover family time- Great quality movies with no inappropriate content, and they even keep the commercials family-friendly. I hate sitting down to watch something with the kids that I think will be safe… Only to have them startled something unexpectedly scary or violent, or have them see things that are too adult for them. I’m not at all conservative, but even I have trouble finding good family movies sometimes. So I definitely am a fan of these new Family Movie Nights!

Watch Game Time: Tackling the Past

What do you think?

I can totally relate to the message in this movie… How an unexpected event in life can cause you to totally re-evaluate your priorities, and suddenly realize what was really important in life.

This is pretty much what happened when I became a mother. I was working really long, crazy, unpredictable hours in retail management and fashion marketing. I loved what I did, but it was stressful. I worked hard, and on my days off, I played hard too- I had a super active social life. I had no desire for kids, and was totally happy as “Auntie Meagan” to my nephews. Like Jake in the movie, I thought I knew where I was going in life…

Then, I found out I was expecting. Woah- that really stopped me in my tracks! In the movie Jake has to make huge life changes due to the unexpected news that his father has suffered a major heart attack- The unexpected news of my pregnancy forced me to take a hard look at my life too, and make some huge changes. As my due date approached, I realized that I couldn’t just jump back into my old life- I couldn’t continue 50 hour work weeks, full time school, AND spend time with a baby. When discussing this with my employer, they abruptly decided to let me go!! What now??

I soon discovered that this was the best thing that could happen. My family rallied around to offer support, friends pitched in to help me out, and I realized that less money, but more time with my baby, was making me a million times more happy than what I had “thought” I wanted before! Just like Jake in the movie, I realized how important that support is in life.

“Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.” –Og Mandino quotes

When Winning is Everything, What’s Left?

That’s the main message of the movie, and I think it’s a great question to address with your family and kids after watching the movie. Family Movie Night films are meant to encourage teachable moments…

Ask you kids what they would do if they went through the same type of situation faced by Jake in the movie. Would they make the same choices? Get some discussion going… And look forward to another opportunity to do it again, and watch for the next Family Movie Night soon!

Learn More:

Visit the Family Movie Night Website here: FamilyMovieNight.com.
Follow them on Facebook, to stay updated on the newest movies: Facebook.

{Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.}

And don’t forget… The premiere of Game Time: Tackling the Past is on Saturday, September 3 on NBC at 8pm ET/7pm CT!!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 26, 2011 Filed Under: Reviews, Fun Stuff | No Comments

{Rafflecopter Giveaway} Time Island Kids Prize Package!

Check out the fun new kids game ~ Time Island!

“Time Island is a virtual world for kids where they can play games, learn about nature and survival and meet other children from around the globe in a safe online environment.”

I found out about Time Island from MomSelect; they chose our family to be part of a fun campaign to help spread the word about this great game!

I was worried at first that the kids might not like it… It’s a free game on the computer, and they’re used to playing the Wii and Xbox, you know? But they LOVE it.

Learn more:

Sounds cool, right?

The kids have so much fun playing it- they love meeting new kids and chatting online when they join other tribes, they love outsmarting the little green monsters, “Grogs”, and my youngest nephew just likes walking around and exploring the island!

As for me, I love that there’s no violence like some of their video games have, that it’s an interactive environment but it’s SAFE {if anyone uses bad language, bullying, or anything else, you can report it, and they won’t be able to play.}, and it really makes the kids think while they play, instead of just mindlessly blowing stuff up!

What is Time Island?

It’s like Survivor, but for kids. You have to figure out how to survive, join with others in tribes, explore the jungles and beaches, and use your wits to outsmart the others! Seriously, the boys would play this for hours if I let them…

Join Us!

To join us on Time Island, sign up here- TimeIsland.com. After you sign up {and remember, it’s totally FREE to join!}, they’ll send you a confirmation email {this is so that kids can’t sign up and play without you knowing… You confirm the email, and decide which settings the kids are allowed to play under!} After you confirm, the kids can build their own avatar to play with.

Are YOU on Time Island?

If you guys are playing on Time Island yet? What do you think of it? Or if you’re learning about it for the first time, what do you think? Any questions about it? Comment away!

Win it!!

Use the easy peasy Rafflecopter Giveaway form to win a Super Cool Prize Package filled with cool stuff:

Prize Package Includes:

One Time Island Backpack!

A Time Island Cell Phone holder!

3 Time Island wrist-bands- One for you, 2 to share with friends!

Super cool Time Island Sunglasses- Black front, green sides with the game logo!

Time Island Stickers- 3 sets!

Bunches of assorted Time Island temporary tattoo’s- featuring the avatars from the game, as well as the Time Island game logo!

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

[Read more…]

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 26, 2011 Filed Under: Fun Stuff, Reviews, Contests, Freebies | No Comments

How this FREE Post-it Sample Helps Shattered-Brain-Syndrome…

Get a Super Sticky Notes Sample from Post-it!

I. Love. Post-it’s. And today you can get a sample of a cool new style by filling out a request here- Free Post-it Request.

I might even be addicted to Post-it’s…. My brain is so scattered, and runs a million miles an hour all of the time. And I’ve learned that having a baby just takes what little focus I had, and shatters it into a million more pieces.

Example of Shattered-Brain-Syndrome:

Ok, I’m going to write this review now. Let me see, where is the email with the information I need…. “Hey, Abby, don’t eat that quarter!” Ok, where was I? Right, find the email… “But Auntie Meagan, that’s MY quarter Abby was trying to eat!!” – “It’s ok honey, she didn’t eat it.” – “But now it’s SLOOOOOBERY!!!” – *Ignore the cries of a 4 year old over his slobbered on quarter* Back to work. Found the email. Write a couple lines. Hear more crying- surely not still over the quarter still? Nephew runs in with a lump on his head. Ask questions. Remind him- “How many times have I told you no doing front flips on the bunk beds??” then wonder, why is this something that even comes up so frequently Back to work… See my baby sharing her sippy cup with the dog. Again. Decide that this is ok, she is learning to share, and that’s a good thing right? Back to work…

You can see why I need Post-it’s…

Every time I get a thought that needs to be remembered, it goes on a Post-it, and is placed where I’ll need to remember it!

Does anyone else have Shattered-Brain-Syndrome too?

It’s not always CAUSED by children, but I am completely sure that they are a major risk factor….

{And, get $12 in additional coupons on the Post-it site: Post-it.com, and more back-to-school coupons by loading them from Cellfire directly onto your store cards.}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 25, 2011 Filed Under: Freebies, Fun Stuff | No Comments

Celebrate Grandparents Day + Free Card!

This year, Grandparents Day is on September 11th!!

Get a FREE Card from Paper Snaps:

There are 6 different designs to choose from; the one above is the one that I got. They’re all super cute. Details…

“The inside of the cards are blank for you to add a personal message before you address and mail it to them. The cards are printed on heavy 110 pound card stock and measure 5 x 7 inches when folded. Card is creased for easy folding and includes a standard white envelope.”

How to Get it:

Check out the selection of cards for Grandparents Day on Paper Snaps, and choose the one you like best, then add it to your basket.
Use the coupon code GDAY11 at checkout, to make the card totally free! Set up your account with your shipping info, and choose the FREE shipping option too.
Then it will tell you no payment is required, and you’ll get your free card soon!

Celebrate the Day!!

For more fun ideas to help you celebrate the special Grandparents in YOUR life, check out Grandparents.com for some activities, crafts and printables, quotes and poems, and much more!

More Gift Ideas:

Grandparents would LOVE a canvas print of the kids! These are such great quality, {I have a couple now, and have made them as gifts} and are so unique. Check out the cool tools you can use- Pop Art is my favorite!

Or get prints of the family to add to the cards you send! Grandparents, especially if they’re far away, love pic’s of the little ones. This is a great deal- Just register on the site {takes 2 minutes, tops} and you’ll get a code for 50 Free Prints and more. Add a few of those to the FREE card, and you’ve got a great gift to mail out!

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 23, 2011 Filed Under: Holidays, Freebies, Fun Stuff | No Comments

How YOU can save 70% off on Family Trips!

If you’re planning family travel for the holidays, Dunhill can save you loads of money on your trip:

I haven’t traveled in for-EV-er, but we’ve been looking around at travel deals for a few months now… I’d love to take the baby to meet her family in the South sometime soon. She has loads of cousins, 11 aunts and uncles, and 2 grandparents that she needs to see! {Wow, right?} This is all of her family on Daddy’s side. I’ve never met them either, so it’ll be a fun trip whenever we finally get to go.

Dunhill Travel Rocks

While looking around at travel sites, I found Dunhill Travel, and I thought it was a pretty cool one. Most of you already know about sites like travelocity or expedia, but this was one I’d never heard of.

They have some pretty great deals, like 70% off on prices kind of great. You just sign up for their FREE newsletter, and you’ll get notified of the best offers they’ve got available.

Check it out, and if you’re planning a cool trip too, leave a comment and tell me about it! :)

Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 19, 2011 Filed Under: Shopping, Fun Stuff | No Comments

Join the Mom’s Online Back-to-School Countdown!

Are you ready for Back-to-School yet?

Ok, I know we’re all ready for the kids to be gone for part of the day… As much as I adore my nephews, and love getting to spend so much time with them while they’re living here with me, I won’t lie- I’m going to enjoy the afternoons with just the baby and I, and the quiet, again.

But I’m talking about “READY”-ready. You know, school supplies, new clothes, shoes that fit, backpacks, etc.

If you’re a member of my favorite online community, CafeMom, check out the Back-to-School section!

There are two places you can visit: One is the Back-to-School Supplies section, where you can ask questions to get advice from other moms, or read the answers to other momma’s questions like, “What do you suggest a kid keep in their school lockers (besides books)?” So helpful.

The other section is the Mom’s BTS Countdown, with tons of great videos and info to help you get prepared! You’ll love it.

Not a member of CafeMom yet?

It’s super easy to join me there! Head over to CafeMom and fill out a couple quick forms to get started. Then you can start browsing around, join some groups {I just joined a recipe swap group, and some local moms who do a coupon exchange! So cool.} and meet some new people.

How to meet other momma’s like you:

There are groups you can join based on your interests (cooking, scrapbooking, couponing, tattoos, etc.), your location, the age of your kids, your age, and much, much more. Join in the conversation in the group and you’re sure to find other moms like you.

You can also find CafeMom on Facebook. While you’re there, stop by too and leave me a comment- I so love hearing from you guys!

If you’re a member, and would like to connect on CafeMom, leave me your user name in a comment, and I’ll come by and say hello!