Living in the Napa Valley has it's perks. No, not free wine (unfortunately) - but occasionally we residents do get to catch a glimpse of a famous person or two. Friday evening on the way to Eric's Mom's house we spotted Francis Ford Coppola in St. Helena. I guess we get to add another picture to our "Spotted Stars" chart. Since we've been keeping our chart (this is the first time we've posted it however), we have three sightings (although one of them was at the LAX airport - does that even count?).





Who will we spot next?....



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Today is the last day of the month which is now "Top Dropper Day" in the Entrecard world.

January's Top Dropper here at Pink Lemonade is Silver Sachet - be sure to pop on over and check out all the beautiful jewelery they have there.



Thanks, Silver Sachet for all the visits during the month of January!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Am I the only one with "tween" girls who didn't know that the all-powerful Miley Cyrus has a new Hannah Montana Movie coming out? My girls are both huge Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus fans - but somehow I missed to boat on this one. I guess I know where I'll be on April 10th.

Here's the trailer...




What suspense... will she decide to be Miley... or Hannah? I guess the world will just have to wait and see!

Don't wait. Guarantee your seat before you go and avoid a sold out show. Skip the box office lines and buy movie tickets at Fandango.com.




Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Share your best stain removal tips and Surf will send you a sample of laundry detergent.

Take the Lion's Challenge, they'll send you a free Red Bull and a Roaring Lion so you can compare them side by side and decide which you like best.

Download 16 books from Harlequin Romance for free.

Grab a free hat from SSF Auto parts.

21 and over only - Grab a free sample of Diamond Vodka.

Do your kiddos love space? Get them a free Space Camp CD and Poster.

Bayer Aspirin will send you a free heartsafe aspirin carrying case.

Free MP3 download of Clique Girlz song from Walmart.

Enjoy your freebies - more on Monday.



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Heee's Baaack! Famed British chef Gordon Ramsay returned to American televisions last night in Hell's Kitchen. Once again, 16 unsuspecting "chefs" will lock horns with the infamous Ramsay. I love this show, but am continually confused by just a few things: 1. Haven't any of the contestants ever watched the show before? Don't they know they should have a really great "signature dish" that they could prepare to perfection in their sleep? and 2. Why would anyone with half a brain go on that show without being able to make risotto? (My family would be eating risotto every day for months before the show so I'd be sure I could make it right and not get yelled at!)

If you've seen Gordon on some of his other shows, you know he can be a bit harsh, but he's not always that way! One of my favorite Gordon Ramsay shows is The F Word which is aired on BBC America.



WARNING: Gordon holds back no offensive language in his show and it is NOT edited out - don't watch it if you're easily offended by such language (although he is fairly restrained in these clips).





While you're at it, let Gordon teach you to make a great Beef Wellington (no bad language here):



We're so glad you're back, Gordon!





Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Send away for a Brethalicious Green Bone for fido.F

Pickup a free Steve Martin MP3 download at Amazon.

Adults only... Grab a free condom from Beyond Seven.

Register at Sparkle Bee and receive a free Hello Kitty Mousepad.

Join the Wiener Lovers Club at Weinerschnitzel and they'll send you a coupon for a free hot dog... ehm... wiener.

Subscribe to Bee Maid's newsletter and receive a free honey recipe booklet.



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Posted by Christine of Random Thoughts With Chris

Featured weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine

Pick up a free sample of Stetson Cologne for your guy.

Free coffee and tasting today at all Panera Bread Locations.

Learn all about Nursing as a career. You can even pick up some free coloring books, pins and more at Discover Nursing.

Not too many freebies today, but enjoy what there is!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Have you heard of Cozmo Smart Girls? Amy Poehler brings us CozmoTV - It's an online television show dedicated to showcasing girls who have it together - girls who serve as great role models for their peers. It's important to let girls know that it is okay to be yourself, be original, be smart! It's all to easy for girls these days to try to be someone they're not, pretending just to fit in - it's refreshing to see girls who are comfortable being themselves and doing the things that make them happy instead of doing what they think their friends will think is "cool".

In this episode, Amy interviews Kenaudra, who has taken up the art of "Praise Dancing". Not only is she a dancer, but she plays the steel drums in a school band - what diverse interests! Be sure to watch the video, you'll get a peek at "Praise Dancing", get to listen to Kenaudra play "Amazing Grace", learn how a steel drum is tuned and, at the end, you'll find out which is her favorite - Pizza or Cotton Candy.



This is a fun show - one you'll definitely want to share with your friends, readers and daughters. It's easy to add this widget to your blog, myspace page or facebook page - get your own widget here and join in the Smart Girls Party - It's sponsored by Barbie so you know it's great for your girls!





Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Did that headline catch your eye? Luckily, eating healthy does not have to be boring. It also does not mean that you have to give up all of your favorite foods and start eating like a rabbit. Most people seem to think that way with the mention of “healthy foods.” But, if you change the way your prepare your foods, you can make a big difference.

Some folks seem to think that the only way to start eating healthy is to overhaul their diet in one night. There is some merit to “cleaning out the kitchen” of all the bad stuff like cookies, cakes, etc. But, you can make some gradual changes to many other foods on the way toward a healthier you. Gradual changes tend to be easier to make as well as longer lasting toward a lifestyle change.

The easiest way to get used to a healthier diet is to gradually add healthier items to your meals. For example, try 1% milk instead of stepping down to skim at first. Similarly, instead of butter, try low-fat cream cheese.

Another complaint I often here is that healthy food must be too bland since you should not use butter or sugar. Remember that there are a lot of choices beyond butter and sugar to help add flavor your food. Spices can make a big difference. Consider garlic salt, cinnamon, oregano, just to name a few.

So, give it a try. Start slow and before you know it, you will be eating healthier and feeling better. How will you know? You will begin to see signs of improvement in your body like increased energy, improved sleep, improved digestion and more.

Pick up a free 20oz or 2liter bottle of Diet Dr.Pepper.

Grab a free Gardeners Idea Book.

Getting Married? Sign up for a free Ideal Bride Membership and part of the membership package is $250 worth of gifts (doesn't specify what the gifts are).

Make your own radio station for free - that way you'll only hear the music you like, from Pandora Radio

The Crystal Cathedral has a heat charm necklace for you.(choose the option "I cannot make a donation today, but please pray for me! I'm praying for you! Please send me your thank you gift") you will then be instructed to print the survey & mail it in. The gifts are nice & they actually do come.

Try new YoYo Lipgloss for free.




Free, Fun eco-living tips Delivered daily via email!

Enjoy!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

The first thing I do when I sit down with a new organizing client is ask the question "Why do you want to become more organized?". Everyone has their own answer to this question. Some things I hear are "to find things easier", "to manage my time better", "to figure out how to keep things clean and organized", "to get rid of clutter", etc, etc.
The reason this question is important is because you have to have a destination in mind to get where you are going. Most of the time, clients don't need their whole life made over to become more organized. Usually there is one particular area that is a problem for them.

Once you have identified the area(s) of your life that you wish were more organized, you can do something about it. The next step is making a plan. Once you have your destination in mind then you need a map of how you are going to get there. That is your plan.

So, if you identify that the area you need to work on is decreasing clutter, than you will need to list the areas in your home that accumulate the most clutter

Posted by Melissa of Multitasking Mama
Featured Weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine

This month, we've been concentrating on all things healthy. We've featured low-fat, low-cal recipes that will help you keep those New Year's resolutions without feeling deprived. Since we haven't featured a dessert recipe yet, it's high time we did. This one isn't exactly low-cal, but it is low-fat and it features chocolate which is loaded with MUFA's (monounsaturated fats) which makes these tasty little beauties indulgent, yet good for you! These would be perfect to share with your special someone on Valentines Day (and you won't even have to feel guilty about eating one or two!).

Figure Friendly Lowfat Chocolate-Mint Truffles


1/3 Cup semisweet Mint-Chocolate Morsels
1/2 Cup Lowfat/Nonfat Cream Cheese
1-16 Ounce box Powdered Sugar, sifted
1/2 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Place Morsels in a medium glass bowl - microwave at high 1 minute or until morsels are almost melted, stir until smooth.

Let cool

Add the softened Cream Cheese to Melted Morsels, beat at medium speed with a mixer until smooth.

Add Powdered Sugar and beat until well blended.

Press mixture into a 6 inch square on heavy duty plastic wrap, cover and chill at least one hour.

Cut mixture into 48 squares.

Roll each square into a ball and place on wax paper.

Roll in Unsweetened Cocoa Powder.

Serve at room temperature.

Can be frozen for up to a month. Let stand at room temperature for at least an hour.

- Although this recipe is for Mint Chocolate truffles, the possibilities are endless, you could use Cherry Chocolate chips, or White Chocolate Chips - just use your imagination!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

The freebie train for the week is pulling out of the station - don't get left behind!...

Colgate will send your kiddos a free battery powered toothbrush if you sign them up for Healthy Bedtime Habits - you simply fill in their chart (online) that says they've read a book, brushed their teeth & washed up before bed each night - when they've done it for the specified # of nights, they get a free toothbrush! (we did this a couple of years ago & got spongebob toothbrushes)

Our girls love their American Girl Dolls - but the clothes can be costly ($35+ per outfit!). American Girl now offers you the option to print the patterns for retired doll's dresses for free!

Just in time for President's Day - pick up some free books about Abraham Lincoln.

Grab a sample of Total Cranberry Crunch Cereal.

Enjoy!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Today, Kelloggs company announced that it will begin a six month test of a new design for cereal boxes. The company touts that its new boxes - which will begin being tested in Detroit, MI - are more consumer-friendly and space-saving. The new, space-saving boxes offer the same amount of the food with less packaging.

In a press release from Kelloggs, Kim Miller, vice president, Morning Foods Marketing, Kellogg Company pitched the benefits of the new box "The new test boxes will contain the same amount of the food people love and will fit more easily into consumers' pantries," Miller said. "The new compact packaging also allows for more efficient use of retailer space and enables retailers to offer a wider variety of products."

The new boxes will not only help consumers and retailers, but will help preserve the environment by using about eight percent less packaging materials than the standard cereal box of the present.

If all goes well, we just may see these new boxes in cereal aisles everywhere!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

This week we have a really awesome giveaway! Our Sponsors at Wiggle Giggle Learn have a fantastic prize for the winner. The winner will receive a Play and Learn package specifically tailored to the age of your child - and if you have more than one child, You will receive a year of activity plans for each child!

So, head on over to Wiggle Giggle Learn and check out the fantastic Play and Learn programs they have to offer, then come on back and tell me the ages of your kiddo(s) and how you might use the program. Although we'd love you to visit this week's sponsor, all comments left on any post during the contest period will count as an entry.

To leave a comment, simply scroll to the bottom of any post, and right before the next post begins, you'll see a few lines that read:

Posted by Pink Lemonade Liz (Who am I?) at x:xx AM
xx Perfectly Pink Comments (little picture of an envelope)
Labels: xxxx, xxxx, xxxx

To leave a comment, simply click on the "__ Perfectly Pink Comments" link (the part I've highlighted in pink). Hopefully, this will clarify things. If you're still having problems, feel free to let me know because if one person is having difficulty, I'm sure many more are too - I'm always happy to help all of my great readers out!

* Subscribe to the RSS feed for this page - check the CONTEST page for details

*Become a Follower (use the public option) - (follow Pink Lemonade by clicking "follow this blog" in the far right sidebar). Check the CONTEST page for details.

* Additional entry rules for my bloggy friends are HERE ("easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy" as Little Miss Lauren would say!)



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

We have chosen a winner in our Snack and Play giveaway!








The lucky winner is Taylor who left us a comment



Congratulations Taylor - I will be sending you an email shortly with instructions on how to claim your prize.

Thank you everyone for entering - be sure to enter this weeks' new contest.



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

How many different ways have you tried to keep your kids occupied on long car trips, plane trips or in the stroller? If you're anything like me, we've tried it all, trays with beanbag bottoms which - inevitably get dumped or everything rolls off from the edge. The jelly roll pan with magnetic tape on the bottom of everything so it stays put - clumsy and will eventually tip over when your kiddo moves around.

Now there's a better way... Snack and Play. The Snack and Play features a firm surface so your kiddos can not only snack, but draw, do puzzles - you name it! It's great because the sides are raised so toys don't fall off the edge. It straps onto your car seat, stroller, etc. so all of it's contents don't get dumped with your kiddos twists and turns. Plus, it has really great pouches on each side to hold coloring books, crayons, anything!

The Snack and Play is one of those products that I wish was around when my kiddos were small - it would have been used nonstop. Snack and Play is available at both online and brick & mortar retailers, you can find a retailer near you here.



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

If you have arrived looking for our famous Friday Free Stuff - we have good news... and bad news.
The Bad News: Friday Free Stuff will no longer be published - but wait...

The Good News: Free Stuff is now available each and every weekday!

This means not only will you get your freebie list in a timely fashion, thus eliminating dead deals - but you will also have access to freebies that are only available for a limited time!

So if this is your first freebie finding visit this week, check out today's freebies and then scroll down to check out the freebies from the rest of the week - hey, who knows... you may even find an article or two you'd like to read on your way!

Be sure to visit Pink Lemonade every day for our now daily Free Stuff!

Download a free audiobook "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" from Audible.

Grab a free inaugural poster from Emily's List.

Pick up a sample of Revage Furniture Polish.

Get your free Fruit & Yogurt Parfait at Bob Evan's Restaurants with this coupon.

That's it for this week - see you Monday with more free goodies to fill you mailbox!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

The other day, Little Miss Lauren had a playdate. Now, you know how I feel about Playdates, but at the urging of my dear Husband (who is convinced that Lauren will grow up socially inept and ostracized from her group of friends outside of school if she does not start hosting said "dates") I agreed to let her have a friend over.

She chose a little girl who is well behaved, from a nice family - okay, playdate set. Little guest girl arrives at our house and the girls run into Lauren's room to play. This leaves Collette wandering around the house like a lost soul, not really seeming to want to do anything in particular. Well, having been out of practice with the playdate thing, I should have realized that if you're going to do this, dual playdates are definitely the way to go.

Feeling bad for Collette, I offer to play with her... anything she wants - no takers, she'd rather just watch the girls play. Collette tries to join them but little guest girl runs away - I presume they're playing so I don't think much of it. A little later on, I overhear Lauren asking little guest girl why she doesn't want to play with Collette - little guest girls replies "Because she's weird"... I am astounded, I expected more from this child. Lauren tries to explain that "Everybody is different, you know" but little guest girl isn't buying.

Living with a special kiddo every day makes you kind of immune to such things - you not only don't think much of it when you run into another kiddo who most would think acts "weird", but most of the time you don't even notice unless it's totally over the top. But for a child who is brought up in a religious home who attends a Parochial school where friendship and love for others is part of the curriculum to declare someone (especially a friend's sibling) "weird" was just so astounding to me. The little girl knew as soon as she said it that it was unacceptable as she didn't want Lauren to repeat it to me (little did she know I had already heard).

Parents need to teach their children tolerance of children who may not be the same as they are - be it color, religion, ethnicity, appearance or just being "different". Girl Scouts have a program called "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" which teaches about not only the differences of others, but the similarities by learning about physical, cognitive and learning disabilities. I think that something similar should be taught to all children, whether it's through a program like Girl/Boy Scouts, at school, at church and certainly at home.

I am very proud of Little Miss Lauren for standing up for her Sister. She has learned to be fairly oblivious to such differences and treat everyone the same - but it's a lesson she cannot single handedly teach her friends. I guess the only way she'll be able to do it is to demonstrate the right way to act.

... And you wonder why I avoid playdates...



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine