Have you signed up for Shop Your Way Rewards yet?

Have you signed up for Shop Your Way Rewards yet?

For all new members that sign up OR connect your Shop Your Way Rewards account with me as your Personal Shopper, you get 5,000 (=$5 to spend) FREE!  Plus — for those of you already signed up with Shop Your Way, you can COMBINE this $5 bonus with any other bonus points you have!

When you sign up under me as your personal shopper right now, you get 90 Days FREE of Shop Your Way Max!! That means that you can get FREE Shipping on items that are $10+ at Sears.com and Kmart.com!  Note: You do NOT have to put your credit card in for this trial at all — it is 100% free and no commitment. 

You can use this in store or online!

1. Sign up for your FREE Shop Your Way Rewards account here

2. Make sure to select  “I Agree to Personal Shopper Terms and Conditions”.  If you already have a Shop Your Way Rewards account, just  sign up here – you have to connect to me as your Personal Shopper to get the $3 credit!

3. Click  NO to “Are you a Sears Holding Employee”, then click NEXT and you are all set! (This sets me as your shopper, and signs you up for your free account)

NOTE:  If you are already a Shop Your Way Rewards member, click through the link here, then sign in to your account.  Once you have signed in — go back through this link here to connect and get your free 90 days shipping + $3. 

4. Shop anything on Sears.com or Kmart.com for $5 and under and you will get it FREE!!!  Allow 10-20 minutes for your free $5 to apply to your account.

5. Enter your Shop Your Way Rewards number when you check out in order to redeem your 5,000 points! You can choose in store pick up OR you can use your $5 in store too!!

Please note, you ONLY have 3 days to use your 5,000 points before they expire. Make sure to use them before they are gone!

It's Time to Change (Y)our Filtrete Air Filters by 3M

It's that time again.  Time to change our Filtrete Air Filters by 3M.  I know it was late Summer last time I reminded you to change your filter.  Remember this post.  Well, it's time again.  Now that we've gone from Summer heat to Winter's cold, our families are staying inside more what better time to highlight some ways to reduce impurities in your home.

Utilize Filtration Tools to Reduce Impurities

• Install a Filtrete Healthy Living furnace filter from 3M, which uses electrostatic technology to trap more indoor air pollutants, such as dust, pollen, dust mites, pet dander and other particulates.
• Use your HVAC system as a whole-house air purifier by running it on the fan setting when it is not being used for heating or cooling.
• Exploit the natural filtration properties of houseplants. They create oxygen by absorbing carbon dioxide along with benzene, formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. Plants such as English ivy, spider plant, philodendron, mum, rubber plant and weeping fig are common houseplants recognized for their filtering abilities

There are so many more benefits to replacing your air filters and Filtrete Air Filters by 3M are nationally recognized as the best.  We change our filters regularly and have noticed substantial savings in our electric bills as a result.  Have questions?  Check out the Filtrete website or ask your HVAC technician about Filtrete Air Filters by 3M.  Our HVAC tech highly recommended Filtrete Air Filters by 3M.

For more information on Filtrete Air Filters by 3M:

• Click here to visit Filtrete Filters by 3M website
•  Follow @Filtrete on Twitter
• "Like" Filtrete Filters by 3M Facebook page

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Filtrete Filters by 3M. I received a year's supply of Filtrete Filters by 3M in exchange for this review. No monetary compensation was received. The views expressed below are mine. Many thanks to Mom It Forward for this opportunity. Opinions are my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. The opinions expressed above are mine. 

Click here for the Disclosure Policy of Three Boys and an Old Lady blog. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received a product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Jesus Bible, NIV Discover Jesus in Every Book of the Bible Book Review

Discover Jesus In Every Book of the Bible

Jesus isn’t just found in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. His presence can be felt throughout the whole Bible, even in Genesis. The Jesus Bible contains the complete New International Version (NIV) with daily study helps that point to Jesus and show how he fulfilled the prophecies for the Messiah found in the Old Testament. 



A perfect way to see the overarching narrative of the Bible, The Jesus Bible includes these features:

• Presentation page for personalization and gift giving
• Book introductions explain where Jesus appears in each book of the Bible
• 365 devotions revolve around the “sightings” of Jesus in the Old Testament and his life and teachings in the New Testament
• Application notes to help apply Jesus’ teachings to real life today
• Hundreds of clues highlight the promises/prophesies made about Jesus in the Old Testament and the fulfillments in the New Testament
• Index of the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ
• List of Jesus’ miracles and parables
• Timeline of Jesus’ life
• Lineage of Jesus
• Concordance to help find key topics, people, and events in the Bible
• Words of Christ in red

Our Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Jesus Bible, NIV  Discover Jesus in Every Book of the Bible and my kids did as well.  This Bible is perfect for teens and tweens but there were some features I absolutely adored.  The Concordance made it easy to find those topics of interest quickly and this concordance is very thorough.  In fact, the entire Bible is very thorough and focuses on breaking down one of the world's most read books in such a way it's easy to understand. Unlike some other Bibles geared for kids this Bible isn't full of Bible stories, it's the Bible...the NIV Bible.  The Jesus Bible, NIV  Discover Jesus in Every Book of the Bible isn't full of cute illustrations that you see in Bibles marketed for younger readers. The Jesus Bible, NIV  Discover Jesus in Every Book of the Bible is akin to any reference Bible.  

There really are a ton of fab features about this Bible that readers of any age are sure to enjoy.

Buy It:  Click here to visit Zondervan to learn more about The Jesus Bible, NIV  Discover Jesus in Every Book of the Bible.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Booksneeze for the opportunity to review this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. The thoughts expressed above are mine. Visit http://threeboysandanoldlady.blogspot.com/2010/01/advertisecontact.html for the complete Disclosure Policy of Three Boys and an Old Lady blog.

Lalaloopsy: Friends are Sew Special! on DVD TODAY!!!

The Lalas are bringing their special skills to DVD for the first time with four exciting adventures in Lalaloopsy: Friends are Sew Special! 

Take a trip to Lalaloopsy Land and overcome obstacles with over an hour of magical fun! And for a limited time only, you’ll get a “Sew Cute Lacing Kit” inside, which includes laces, stickers and different pattern cards to design! Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Lalaloopsy: Friends are Sew Special! will be released on DVD just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 4, 2014 for the suggested retail price of $16.99.

Lalaloopsy: Friends are Sew Special! Fast Facts:
Street Date: February 4, 2014
Catalogue: 805404
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 88 minutes

Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System Giveaway

Prize:

Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System Value $149

Bonus variety box includes:

• 1 Barista Prima Italian Roast Coffee
• 1 Café Escapes Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa
• 1 Celestial Seasonings® Sleepytime Herbal Tea
• 1 Celestial Seasonings® Southern Sweet Iced Tea
• 1 Gloria Jean's® Hazelnut Coffee
• 1 Green Mountain Coffee® Breakfast Blend Travel Mug Coffee
• 1 Green Mountain Coffee® Nantucket Blend Coffee
• 1 The Original Donut Shop® Extra Bold Coffee
• 1 Timothy's® Columbian Decaf Coffee
• 1 Tully's® French Roast Coffee
  *Selections may vary based on supply

Info:

-FREE Link with announcement (Twitter or Pinterest)

Announcement Here

-Giveaway date:   Jan 31 - Feb 21, 2014  (Closing Jan 24, 2014)

-Co-host $10.00

10 Links  (no google links)

2 Co-host pages

-Extra links $1.50 (no google links)up to 4 links

Send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com

Sign up here

Frozen Sing-a-Long Coming to Theaters on Friday, January 31

DO YOU WANNA SING ALONG? -- More than 2,000 theaters nationwide are staged to showcase the all-new sing-along version of Disney’s Oscar®-nominated, Golden Globe®-winning big-screen adventure "Frozen," beginning this Friday, January 31st!

But if you can't wait another minute, check out the video below for a sneak peek of the fun. On-screen lyrics and a magical bouncing snowflake will accompany select showings; moviegoers can check local listings for showtimes and theaters.



Buy Tickets Here:
http://www.fandango.com/frozensingalong_170590/movieoverview/
http://www.movietickets.com/movie/mid/179887

The Single Moms Club Coming to Theaters Soon...

When five struggling single moms put aside their differences to form a support group, they find inspiration and laughter in their new sisterhood, and help each other overcome the obstacles that stand in their way.

TYLER PERRY’S THE SINGLE MOMS CLUB is written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry. Lionsgate and Tyler Perry Studios Present, A Tyler Perry Studios/Lionsgate Production.

TYLER PERRY'S THE SINGLE MOMS CLUB Official Social Pages
Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheSingleMomsClubMovie
Official Site: http://thesinglemomsclub.com/
#SingleMomsClub

I Never Knew Her but I Think of Her Often

Each weekday I load up the kids in the car and begin the morning carpool.  There's a certain stoplight that catches us occasionally and until a few months ago, I never really paid much mind to that stoplight.  To me it was just another stoplight.  Nothing special.  Until one August morning in 2013.  

As we approached the stoplight, the news of what had happened the night before, only hours earlier, pierced my heart.  The kids asked why there were candles and remnants of police tape scattered about.  I pretended not to hear.  I remember my eyes swelling with tears and blurring my vision as I tried to disguise my disgust with the world from the kids. I heard the news of the murder of a young mother on the morning broadcast, but hadn't thought of the location...nor the fact it was on the very route we take Monday through Friday in the morning carpool...until that stoplight turned red.  Unable to drive past the scene, we sat there for what seemed an eternity, waiting for the light to change.

There was no way to escape the tragedy that unfolded in the early evening the night before.  The horror of the previous night's happening was staring us in our faces as if it wanted to be seen.  As if she wanted us to know.  A quietness fell upon my otherwise noisy carpool full of kids that morning as crime scene officers directed us past the scene.  An eerie feeling as we slowly drove past the crime scene and me, tears falling slowly down my face, feeling as the teenagers say, some kind of way.

I didn't know this woman.

Days passed and slowly the candles and police tape were replaced with makeshift WANTED posters and teddy bears.  Conversations shifted from songs playing on the radio to kids theorizing ways to catch the killer and what they'd do with the reward money whenever we neared the scene.  The kids didn't seem to understand how the local police could have a video of the shooter's truck and not run it through some high tech database and nab the person.  Yet, I just listened.  I never interrupted.  I never said a word.  Yet, as we drove past the intersection my fingers clenched my steering wheel as I breathed deeply praying the kids wouldn't sense my uneasiness.  I could feel the pain of a wandering soul crying for help.  

Sympathetic me, having never known the victim, trying to rationalize why I'd cringe every time we drove past the scene.  Some days it was so bad, I'd drive nearly 10 minutes out of the way to avoid the scene.  Pretending to be oblivious to the kids' questions of "Why are we going this way today?" or "Mommy, are we gonna be late?".  Never once being able to comprehend why the passing of someone I never knew resonated with me so.

I never knew the young lady and tried to rationalize my feelings as being due to the sheer horror of such a violent crime, so random, so close to home.  How?  Who?  Why?  Why!!! Why would someone shoot a person...with a baby in the car.  Now, there's a 31-year old mother dead.  Someone's wife.  Someone's mother.  Someone's daughter.  Someone's somebody.

It's been nearly 6 months and I still get a feeling deep in the pits of my stomach when driving past the makeshift memorial.  Occasionally, the kids ask if the cops ever caught "the guy".  I pretend not to hear.  Yet, I pray the person who shot and killed 31-year old Samantha Cass is found and brought to justice.  This is my silent prayer.  The prayer I pray each school day as it is the only thing that gives me courage to drive past the scene of the crime.  

I look forward to the day I drive past the makeshift memorial no more and when the kids ask me "what happened to all the teddy bears and candles", I can tell the kids the story of how the cops caught the bad guy. 

FIND HER KILLER!  
Find her killer and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

Lalaloopsy: Friends are Sew Special! Coming to DVD February 4!

The Lalas are bringing their special skills to DVD for the first time with four exciting adventures in Lalaloopsy: Friends are Sew Special! 

Take a trip to Lalaloopsy Land and overcome obstacles with over an hour of magical fun! And for a limited time only, you’ll get a “Sew Cute Lacing Kit” inside, which includes laces, stickers and different pattern cards to design! Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Lalaloopsy: Friends are Sew Special! will be released on DVD just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 4, 2014 for the suggested retail price of $16.99.

Lalaloopsy is an animated adventure series starring the Lalaloopsy friends, who magically came to life once their last stitch was sewn. The lovable characters are all unique. Each has a personality that comes from the fabric that was used to make her, with a pet and house fancifully constructed from found objects to match. The group of friends comes together for daily, "fun-tastical" adventures in a whimsical world full of silly surprises called Lalaloopsy Land. While each "Lala" has different talents and points of view, it's these differences that make this world such an exciting place where anything can – and does – happen! Lalaloopsy is a celebration of diversity and teamwork, teaching preschoolers that everyone is special in his or her own way and each of us has something important to contribute.

Lalaloopsy: Friends are Sew Special! Episode Synopses:
Dot’s Moon Mission
When Dot's spaceship breaks down and prevents her from taking a long-planned trip to the moon, her friends create a fake moon for her in Lalaloopsy Land.

Princess Parade
Jewel enlists her non-princess friends to help throw a Princess Parade to show off her tiara collection and learns that there’s more than one way to be a princess.

Spot-it-is
It’s up to Rosy to cure her friends of a mysterious illness spread through Lalaloopsy Land.

Flight Plan
Pix E refuses to let her fear of heights get in the way of disappointing her friend and her dream of flying.

Lalaloopsy: Friends are Sew Special! Fast Facts:
Street Date: February 4, 2014
Catalogue: 805404
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: Approximately 88 minutes

The 21 Day Financial Fast by @SingletaryM Book Review

In The 21-Day Financial Fast, award-winning writer and The Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary proposes a field-tested financial challenge.

For twenty-one days, participants will put away their credit cards and buy only the barest essentials. With Michelle’s guidance during this three-week financial fast, you will discover how to:

• Break bad spending habits
• Plot a course to become debt-free with the Debt Dash Plan
• Avoid the temptation of overspending for college
• Learn how to prepare elderly relatives and yourself for future long-term care expenses
• Be prepared for any contingency with a Life Happens Fund

As you discover practical ways to achieve financial freedom, you’ll experience what it truly means to live a life of financial peace and prosperity.

Thousands of individuals have participated in the fast and as a result have gotten out of debt and become better managers of their money and finances. The 21-Day Financial Fast is great for earners at any income-level or stage of life, whether you are living paycheck-to-paycheck or just trying to make smarter financial choices.


My Thoughts:  Singletary offers some commonly heard tips in The 21-Day Financial Fast.  She's been successfully sharing how to be debt free for decades and she knows what she's talking about.  To those burdened with debt, The 21-Day Financial Fast offers some tips to help jumpstart your savings account.  For those seeking to manage their monies, The 21-Day Financial Fast offers some practical tips to get a jump start on getting your financial house in order.  There is a solution for every financial problem and even those of us with little or no credit card debt can benefit from the tips shared in Singletary's book.  

The premise is simple, don't buy anything for 21 days.  Yep, 21 days of no shoes, no makeup, no clothes, no restaurants, nothing just the essentials.  Singletary goes so far as to suggest readers refrain from window shopping. Throughout the 21 days, readers are guided on ways to better navigate their finances.  Singletary cites several verses from the book of Proverbs and does a pretty good job tying the scripture to the principles within the book.  The principles are simple tools for becoming a better steward and although it'll take longer than 21 days to truly master one's finances, this is a good start.

Overall, a decent read with some great tips.

For More Info:  
Check out Michelle Singletary's website at http://www.michellesingletary.com

Buy It:
The 21 Day Financial Fast is available at bookstores everyone and online resellers like Amazon, Zondervan and Barnes and Noble.





Disclosure: Many thanks to Booksneeze for the opportunity to review this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. The thoughts expressed above are mine. Visit http://threeboysandanoldlady.blogspot.com/2010/01/advertisecontact.html for the complete Disclosure Policy of Three Boys and an Old Lady blog.

FREE: Disney Puzzle Packs Now Available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch

Disney Puzzle Packs is filled with hundreds of puzzles featuring your favorite Disney characters. Disney fans of all ages will enjoy hours of endless fun solving a variety of visual and word puzzles. From word search to jigsaw, from spot the difference to matching, each puzzle pack includes six types of puzzles to solve and three levels of difficulty. You'll receive a free sample puzzle of each type when you download the app. Additional puzzle packs starring your favorite characters are available for purchase in app with a grownup's permission.


App Name: Disney Puzzle Packs
Click here to download
Available: 1/16/14
Platform: iOS (iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch)
Category: Entertainment, Kids (6 – 8)
Price: Free



6 Puzzle Packs to Choose From:
• Disney Planes
• Disney Princess
• Disney/Pixar Cars
• Disney/Pixar Monsters
• Disney Winnie the Pooh
• Disney Fairies


Features:

• Beloved characters from favorite Disney properties, including Disney Princess, Cars, Winnie the Pooh, Monsters University, and Disney Fairies
• Hundreds of different puzzles featuring six types of puzzle (jigsaw, word find, spot the difference, matching, and word jumble) and three levels of difficulty
• Reward system that encourages players to beat their best times

Disclosure: Many thanks to the sponsor for providing this prize for the giveaway. Opinions are my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. The opinions expressed above are mine. Click here for the Disclosure Policy of Three Boys and an Old Lady blog. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received a product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to Monster Jam

Did you know that each year an average of 3,000 cars are crushed during the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam tour?   Did you know Advance Auto Parts kids' tickets are only $5?  Yep, five dollars. 

My family and I have been attending Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam for a few years now and I, I mean WE, love it.  You see kids of all ages and families spending time together.  Yes, it's loud but believe me your kids will love it and you'll have fun just watching them.  

My kids look forward to getting up close and personal with the tricked out cars and trucks and hanging out with drivers in the pits before the show begins.  I love snapping pics and watching the kids having fun.

Visit www.monsterjam.com/ to see when Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is coming to your town and remember kids' seats are only $5.

Thanks to Feld Entertainment and Advance Auto Parts, one lucky Three Boys and an Old Lady blog reader will win a family 4-pack of tickets to the upcoming show in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Hurry, giveaway ends 1/18/14.

Entry-Form

Disclosure: Many thanks to the sponsor for providing this prize for the giveaway. Opinions are my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. The opinions expressed above are mine. Click here for the Disclosure Policy of Three Boys and an Old Lady blog. The opinions expressed above are 100% my own. I received a product in exchange for this review and post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Empowering Others With Novica Review and Giveaway

Valentines Day is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to begin searching for that one of a kind unique gift for your sweetheart.  Novica offers unique, handcrafted gifts from all over the world.  I've been a Novica customer for several years and no matter what I purchase, I have comfort knowing my gift is a truly unique.  No two items are alike as each item is handcrafted.  

A few years ago, a friend of mine returned from a missionary trip in Central America and I found a pair of earrings from the region she served in.  She loved the earrings, but more importantly, she was glad to hear of company that provided sustainable income for local artisans.  Novica grants artisans an opportunity to sell their wares in an international platform.  

I could go on about how Novica is making a difference in the world, but I'd love to share a few of my fave items found on their website.  I have gifted newlywed friends with drinking glasses I purchased from Novica.  Glassware is always a great gift for newlyweds.  

Round Ribbon of Sunshine Drinking Glasses

These hand blown glasses from Javier and Efren of Mexico are absolutely beautiful.  Since each glass is hand blown, there are slight imperfections which make each glass unique.   Javier and Efren have been perfecting their craft for years and their work has been featured in Sunset magazine.  
I'm a huge fan of the jewelry found at Novica.  Whether it's a pair of chandelier earrings, waterfall or dangling earrings, there are so many earrings to choose from.

Check out these cultured pearl earrings.  They're the creation of Narayani, an artisan from Delhi, India.  She shares the story of how jewelry design has been in her family for years, yet she didn't fall in love with the craft until later in life.  Now, she and her daughter enjoy time spent designing one of kind jewelry like the earrings pictured below.

Cultured pearl Destiny Earrings

Novica has been featured in Vogue, The Oprah Magazine and even NPR.  Your purchase will make a difference, so be sure to check out www.Novica.com.

Visit:  www.novica.com
Facebook:  Like Novica on Facebook
Twitter:  Follow @Novica on Twitter

WIN IT

One lucky Three Boys and an Old Lady blog reader will receive a $25 Novica Gift Code

Entry-Form

Eating Healthy with 100% Whole Grain Ronco Pasta & A Chance to Win $250

I am always seeking ways to incorporate healthier food into my family's lifestyle.  A couple of years ago we made the switch to 100% whole grain pasta.  We eat a lot of pasta in the Three Boys and an Old Lady household.  Why you ask?  Pasta is healthy.  Versatile.  Inexpensive.  Quick. 

Click here to vote for my recipe

Keep reading to check out my recipe.


Mealtime can be a battle but there are so many ways to sneak in healthy choices which the kids will eat. I'm notorious for blending carrots in my pasta sauce for a vitamin boost.  Pepperoni?  Yes, turkey pepperoni.  Pasta?  Yes, 100% whole grain pasta.  Mealtime is the perfect time to unleash your creative side.

A few years ago, I created a pasta dish using penne and gave my kids free range to top it with whatever they wanted.  Penne for Your Pasta dish is perfect for my youngest who tops their pasta with chicken nuggets ripped into small pieces, middle son tops his off with his a mixture of alfredo and tomato sauces of choice (he tends to be a bit pickier than the others), the older kids can top theirs with fresh tomatoes, pepperoni and tons of cheese, Hubby with steak and capers, while I indulge in a seafood topped dish.  Everyone can have their favorite and no extra work on my behalf.  

A Penne for Your Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 16-oz package Ronco 100% Whole Grain Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon oregano*
• 1 tablespoon basil*
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes*
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

*I use fresh oregano and fresh basil but you may use ground spices. 

Toppings: WHATEVER THEY WANT!

Directions:

1. Bring 8 cups of water (with a pinch o’ salt for flavor) to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to directions on package.
2. Drain and return pasta to pot (DO NOT RINSE).
3. In skillet heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil until lightly smoky. Saute garlic until soft. 
4. Stir in oregano and crushed red pepper flakes
5. Stir into penne pasta and sprinkle with parmesan cheese
6. Let them top with their favorite meat, sauce, cheese or topping of their choice.

I could go on and on about my love of pasta, but I'd rather share a quick pasta recipe I created a few years ago and details on how you could win $250 Visa gift card.  

Be sure to vote for my Penne for Your Pasta recipe and like the Ronco Pasta Facebook page to be entered to win a $250 Visa Gift card.  Voting ends January 31, 2014 and you can vote once per day.  Good luck! 

Click here to vote for my recipe

Disclosure:  Many thanks to the sponsor for the opportunity to participate in this sweepstakes.  I received a gift card compensation for this post to purchase items necessary to create this recipe.  Visit http://threeboysandanoldlady.blogspot.com/2010/01/advertisecontact.html for the Disclosure Policy of Three Boys and an Old Lady blog.

Branson Titanic Museum Exhibit Opening Soon

Visit the only Permanent Titanic Museum Attraction with your family. Discover why this museum attraction is an exciting ship-shaped classroom filled with history, hands-on experiments, mysteries to solve and fascinating stories about real people and events. Walk the $1 million Grand Staircase. Sit in a lifeboat. Steer the ship. Touch and Iceberg, and more.

"Our visit was enjoyed by all from ages 4 to 64.....It (Titanic) is a visit not to be missed." - Jessica Bookstaff Doppelt

New Exhibit in Branson:
Branson Titanic Museum Attraction pays tribute to the Musicians.
Opens January 10, 2014

This year's major themed exhibit at the Branson location will, for the first time anywhere, introduce visitors to the 8 heroic musicians whose comforting strains helped drown-out the sadness and sorrow of that dark night. The stories of their gallantry captured the spirit of courage, duty and self-sacrifice we honor everyday at Titanic. When the music stopped....the legend began. Find out the rest of the story at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, MO.

Coming to a Theater Near You Disney Confirms 2014 Slate of Movies

Embedded within this pic is the slate of pictures to be released in 2014 from Walt Disney Studios.  2014 will undoubtedly be a great year for movies.


Beginning with the February release of  The Wind Rises and culminating with the scheduled December release of Into the Woods, Disney Studios have some fab movies in store for the entire family.

Check out the trailer for The Wind Rises:

Let's Celebrate National Bean Day Without the Gas

Today is National Bean Day!  Really, it is.  I could celebrate the day than with some great recipes featuring the fab legumes, but I chose to celebrate it by sharing some tips for avoiding gas while eating beans.  Yes, I said it.  GAS!  

Check out these sure fire tips for reducing gas in beloved legumes.  Enjoy and share!  

Photo courtesy of 123rf.com

During the fall and winter months, I love making soups and chilis filled with beans.  Beans are an inexpensive way to make my soups and chilis healthier and more filling.  Beans are healthy source of protein and recognized as one of the 5 food groups on the USDA Food Pyramid.  Beans are inexpensive, easy to prepare and with so many legumes to choose from you could try a new variety every single day and not have the same bean twice for a few years.  



As promised, here are some tried and true tips for decreasing gas in your bean recipes.  

1. Rinse 'em.  Beans should always be rinsed before preparing.  A quick rinse will not only reduce gas but will wash away dirt and sediment often found in dry beans.  Even if you use canned beans, you should rinse them as well.  Seriously, open a can of beans and you'll probably see a foamy substance escape from the can.  That form is full of gas producing sugars and rinsing really helps wash away those sugars without changing the flavor.
2. Soak 'em.  After you rinse the beans thoroughly, be sure to soak them.  Some beans will do fine with a quick soak of a couple of hours, while others may require an overnight soak to remove those gas producing sugars.  Yes, it's actually the sugars in beans that cause gas.  
3. Boil 'em, drain 'em and boil 'em again.  After your beans come to a boil, drain the boiling water and then bring them to a boil again.  You should see a foamy substance develop as your beans begin to boil.  This foam actually contains some of the gas causing sugars and by removing it you cut down on the gas.
4. Cook 'em long and slow.  Beans that cook long and slow are able to break down those gas producing sugars therefore reducing gas
5. Do NOT salt your beans while cooking.  I don't know what it is about beans and salt that seems to increase gas but there's clearly something about mixing sodium with your beans that really doesn't do the tummy well.  Seriously, adding seasonings without salt lessen the gas.  This is a great way to experiment with some of those other spices in your pantry and release the unique flavors of each legume.

Hope these tried and true tips will help you eat more beans and reduce the gas.  Enjoy and Happy National Bean Day!

SPONGEBOB AND FRIENDS: PATRICK SQUAREPANTS Coming to DVD and iTunes on January 14

Enjoy fourteen Star-centric episodes featuring best buddies SpongeBob and Patrick in SpongeBob and Friends: Patrick SquarePants. Buckle up for a bubbly ride with over three hours of laughs in school, at work and at play with Patrick and SpongeBob including the celebration of Best Friends Day. It’s a treasure for any SpongeBob SquarePants fan with favorite episodes, cover art chosen by the fans themselves, and collectible packaging, while supplies last. Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, SpongeBob and Friends: Patrick SquarePants will be released on DVD on January 14, 2014 for the suggested retail price of $14.99. 

Get this DVD and more of SpongeBob SquarePants on iTunes at iTunes.com/SpongeBob.

Keep reading to view SpongeBob and Friends: Patrick SquarePants Episode Synopses:



Big Pink Loser
Patrick feels like he hasn't accomplished anything with his life and he decides to take SpongeBob on as his role model.

The Secret Box
Patrick has a box and he won't show SpongeBob what's inside of it because it's a secret. SpongeBob can't believe Patrick would keep something from him and he pretends not to care what's inside the box, but secretly it's driving him crazy.

I’m With Stupid
When Patrick's parents come over for Starfish Day, Patrick gets upset that they still think he isn't very smart.

New Student Starfish
It's another day of boating school for SpongeBob, and this time, Patrick wants to come along too.

Dunces and Dragons
After a freak jousting accident at a Medieval Times restaurant, SpongeBob and Patrick are transported to a medieval version of Bikini Bottom. The two are mistaken for great knights, and soon they are entrusted with the quest of saving King Krabs' daughter, Princess Pearl, from the clutches of the evil wizard Lord Plankton. To keep them company, the King sends along Squidward, the court jester.

Patrick SmartPants
During a day of jelly fishing, Patrick gets conked on the head and loses consciousness. When he awakes, the starfish is suddenly speaking in complete sentences - and making sense! Patrick is now not only smart, but brilliant.

That’s No Lady
A misunderstanding over a vacation getaway advertisement causes Patrick to think he must "get out of town" or face dire consequences. SpongeBob can't bear the thought of his best buddy moving away, so he decides to do what he can to hide Patrick's identity from his "pursuers."

Driven to Tears
SpongeBob has failed his driving test - again. Patrick is so outraged by the injustice of it all that he storms into the testing facility and takes the test to prove that it is an unfair test and impossible to pass. Unfortunately, Patrick’s plan backfires.

The Gift of Gum
It's Best Friends Day and SpongeBob and Patrick trade Best Friend presents.

Karate Star
Patrick learns just enough karate to wreak havoc in Bikini Bottom.

Big Sister Sam
Patrick's big sister Samantha comes for a visit.

Squidward’s School for Grown Ups
When Patrick suddenly grows a very grown-up beard, he decides it’s time to act like a grown-up and perhaps Squidward is the perfect squid to help him.

The Googly Artiste
Patrick tries desperately to supply everyone in Bikini Bottom with his highly demanded “rocks-with-googly-eyes,” after an art critic deems him a true artiste.

Pet Sitter Pat
The night before the big school dance, Mr. Krabs asks SpongeBob to help Pearl get rid of a barnacle on her face.

SpongeBob and Friends: Patrick SquarePants Fast Facts:
Street Date: January 14, 2014
Catalogue: 805384
DVD SRP: $14.99
Running Time: Approximately 192 Minutes

Win an iPhone 4 Charger and a Paracord #SilveradoStrong Giveaway

Disclosure:  Content provided by our partner, Chevy Silverado.


Three Boys and an Old Lady blog is now a member of the Chevy Silverado #SilveradoStrong team and to celebrate this partnership we're hosting a giveaway of an iPhone 4 charger and a paracord.  

I hope Nick, not Nick that works at Chevy, but Saint Nick fulfilled your Christmas wishes.  Just in case you didn't find a brand new Chevy under your Christmas tree, you can always stop by your local Chevy dealer and check out the 2014 inventory.

If you're looking for a stylish, heavy duty pickup, check out the Chevy Silverado.  

Check out this fab video below and then enter to win an iPhone 4 charger and a paracord using the Rafflecopter widget below the video.  

Good luck!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System Giveaway Coming Soon

Prize:

Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System Value $149

Bonus variety box includes:

• 1 Barista Prima Italian Roast Coffee
• 1 Café Escapes Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa
• 1 Celestial Seasonings® Sleepytime Herbal Tea
• 1 Celestial Seasonings® Southern Sweet Iced Tea
• 1 Gloria Jean's® Hazelnut Coffee
• 1 Green Mountain Coffee® Breakfast Blend Travel Mug Coffee
• 1 Green Mountain Coffee® Nantucket Blend Coffee
• 1 The Original Donut Shop® Extra Bold Coffee
• 1 Timothy's® Columbian Decaf Coffee
• 1 Tully's® French Roast Coffee
  *Selections may vary based on supply

Info:

-FREE Link with announcement (Twitter or Pinterest)

Announcement Here

-Giveaway date:   Jan 31 - Feb 21, 2014  (Closing Jan 24, 2014)

-Co-host $10.00

10 Links  (no google links)

2 Co-host pages

-Extra links $1.50 (no google links)up to 4 links

Send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com

Sign up here

Samsung - Galaxy Tab 3 Giveaway Sign Up

Sign up!!

Prize:

Samsung - Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 - 16GB - White Value $399 plus one year insurance (total prize value $458)

Info:

-FREE Link with announcement (Twitter or Pinterest)

Announcement Here

-Giveaway date:   Feb. 28 - March 21, 2014  (Closing Feb 19, 2014)

-Co-host $20.00

10 Links  (no google links)

2 Co-host pages

-Extra links $2.50 (no google links)up to 4 links

Send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com

Sign up here

Check Out the Lenovo IdealTab

When I think about it, the Three Boys and an Old Lady family is a pretty techie family.  We've got gadgets and gizmos and thingsawidgets galore.  A couple of years ago the kids adored their Dell Slime laptop but as they've grown, they've longed for their own gadget versus one they have to share.

It's kinda tough when you think of having to shell out hundreds of bucks for one gift for just one child but thank goodness for grandparents.  Grandma and Pops gifted each of the children with their very own Lenovo IdealTab tablets.  Oh, the places they will go.  

As a mom, my first thought was all the homework assistance they'll be able to conquer and how much our electricity bill will decrease due to the long battery runtime.  Within minutes of opening their gifts, each of them began customizing their tablets with books, apps and games of their choosing.  Mom and Pops were amazed at how quickly each of the kids were online and gaming away.  Of course, Hubby chimed in reminding each of the kids about internet safety and our expectations.

If you're looking for a tablet, there are tons to choose from and honestly I didn't even know Lenovo made tablets.  Funny, considering my work laptop is a Lenovo.  I really didn't know and when my mom showed the gifts to me early in the Fall I wasn't all that impressed.  I mean a tablet is a tablet.  Honey, let me tell you I was wrong.

Check out the fab features of the Lenovo IdealTab:

• Front facing camera / webcam
• Dolby sound
• USB port 
• WiFi
• Up to 8 hours charge
• 7" HD display

  A few years ago I really came to learn and appreciate front facing cameras for things other than selfies.  A friend introduced me to Z4, an app that allows persons who are deaf or hard of hearing to turn their front facing phones into videophones.  Or what about Facetime with fam and friends who live miles away?  To see a tablet with this capability was limited to iPhones and iPads but now there are similar apps available on android tablets like the Lenovo IdealTab.  

However, the best feature is now that each of them have their very own tablet no more setting timers to allow each child equal time on the laptop and no more sharing my pristine-condition phones, tablets, and laptop only to have it returned covered in some unidentifiable, often brightly-colored, sticky substance.

Seriously, this one belongs to my middle son and notice the smears from just a few days after Christmas.  Do I care?  Nope.  It's his.  The smears don't bother him and I figure when it gets blurry enough he'll wipe it clean. Since the kids received their gifts, I've checked out reviews of the Lenovo Idealtab on trusted sites like CNet and PC Mag and found the reviewers rated it as an average tablet with great sound.  I agree with the tech part but gotta admit my Kindle Fire is a tad jealous given the Lenovo IdealTab has a bluetooth keyboard.  Note to Amazon, Kindle Fire users would oh so love a bluetooth keyboard. 

My kids - they love their Lenovo IdealTab and are having fun watching movies, listening to the fave songs, playing games, reading books, drawing and discovering the ends of the internet while their poor little old laptop is gathering dust on the bookshelf.   

I confess, we did experience an issue with the one of the tablets not turning on but that sometimes happens on my Kindle Fire so a simple push of the Power button and holding the volume button brought the Lenovo IdealTab back to life.  All in all, a great tablet at a very reasonable price.

Price:  $129.99 (purchased from Office Depot in October 2013)



Disclosure:  The views expressed are mine and mine alone.  I received no compensation in exchange for this post but figured somewhere there's someone searching blogs in preparation for a tablet purchase.  Hope this helps.