Back to School with Seventh Generation

And the winner is:  Elizabeth GoHary!  Congratulations Elizabeth.  Send me your mailing information and your Seventh Generation Back to School pack will be on it's way.


Well it's that time of year again.  Summer vacation is over and the kids are back in school.  This seems to signal the beginning of cold and flu season, we all know how kids love to share those pesky little germs!

Here's a little history lesson on germs for you to watch:


 
According to a survey conducted by Senventh Generation, "82 percent of parents with kids in grades K-5 fret about the germs in their children’s classrooms."  So this year, Seventh Generation is sharing some tips on how to protect your kids during back-to-school season from pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene.  Dr. Greene advises that the following precautions be taken:

Optimize the immune system

• Reap the benefits of probiotics like those found in yogurt. A recent study showed that children who received enough probiotics daily throughout the cold and flu season had a significant reduction in the number of illnesses they had and, when they did get sick, the symptoms were both milder and didn't last as long. 
• Be sure your child is getting plenty of vitamin D from the sun, from food, or from a supplement.
• Build a strong foundation. Good food, good sleep, and good physical activity all help the immune system to flourish.

Be wise about reducing unnecessary exposure to harmful germs

• Teach children the key times to clean their hands in the classroom. The most important times include after sneezing, coughing or using the restroom, upon leaving "high-risk" places (recess, naptime, play stations) and before meals or snacks.
• Sixty percent of teachers surveyed said that they request that parents donate disinfecting wipes to the classroom. Seventh Generation’s disinfecting wipes kill 99.99% of germs* naturally using the active ingredient thyme, a component of thyme oil which is derived from the herb thyme.
• Stress the importance of not touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Demonstrate to your children how to cover their mouth and nose for every cough and sneeze. This simple maneuver has spectacular results in decreasing the spread of viruses and bacteria floating about the room, waiting to be inhaled

 One of the best ways to help stop the spread of the germs that can cause colds and the flu is to disinfect common surfaces such as doorknobs and counters.  This is where Seventh Generation's line of disinfecting products comes in handy.  Seventh Generation surface cleaners are botanically based making them safer for the environment and the user while still retaining their efficacy, killing 99.99% of household germs including those that cause Influenza A.

The wonderful folks at Seventh Generation and MyBlogSpark sent me a wonderful gift pack containing 2 disinfecting wipes (one to keep and one to give to Nick's classroom), disinfecting spray, papertowels, tissues, and an adorable backpack.

 

They are also providing an identical gift pack for one of you.  To enter to win the above gift pack, provided by MyBlogSpark and Seventh Generation, leave a comment with your tips for keeping kids healthy and germ free as they head back to school.  I will randomly select a winner using random.org from all the comments submitted by 2 pm MST August 26.

All information, including video and picture, and both gift packs were provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.  

Seventh Generation BlogSpark

AND THE WINNER IS.......

Dawn, your Seventh Generation cleaning pack is on it's way. Congratulations!

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Today was bathroom cleaning day.  Normally, that means slipping on the yellow rubber gloves and turning on all the exhaust fans.  Thanks to Seventh Generation and MyBlogSpark, I was able to change up my routine.

In the past I have always felt the need to don rubber gloves because I didn't like the dire warnings most cleaner labels include: avoid skin contact, in case of contact rinse thoroughly with clear water for 15 to 20 minutes, remove contaminated clothing.  I don't know about you, but those warnings scare me. 

Even with the exhaust fans running, I never seem to be able to escape the chemical fumes.  And the fumes always seem to linger long after I have finished cleaning.  I really don't like breathing in all those chemicals and I sure don't want my family breathing them in either.

Seventh Generation and the lovely folks at MyBlogSpark, recently sent me a “Disinfecting Cleaning Kit” that includes a disinfecting multi-surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner, wipes , a copy of The Conscious Kitchen by eco-lifestyle consultant and author, Alexandra Zissu, a cleaning caddy made from recycled plastic, and two rolls of 100% recycled, unbleached paper towels

The first thing that struck me was that I could not find any of the dire warnings printed anywhere on any of the packaging.  No "avoid skin contact."  No "in case of contact..."  The closest I found to a warning was the instruction to rinse any surface used in food preparation.  The Multi Surface Cleaner is safe enough to be used on children's toys.

The cleaners contain thymol, a component of the herb thyme.  They kill over 99.99 percent of germs* naturally and are effective against the Influenza A Virus, including H1N1.

So, they are safe to use, but are they effective?  I put them to the test in the bathrooms today. 

The cleaning wipes were thick and stood up to scrubbing the toilet seats and counters with out tearing.  Usually I need to use multiple wipes to get the job done, but the Seventh Generation wipes are generous in size and cleaner and I was able to use only one wipe per area.

The bathroom spray foams nicely straight from the sprayer.  It rinsed clean leaving no visible residue.  It didn't cut through the soap scum on the tubs the same way my current cleaner does but, thinking about it, if a chemical cleaner can cut through soap scum with no effort, what is it doing to my hands?  I am more than willing to trade a little more elbow grease for peace of mind.

I was more than satisfied with the results the Seventh Generation cleaners gave me.  But I don't want you to just take my word for it and neither do the folks at Seventh Generation and MyBlogSpark.  Not only have they generously provided me with the kit pictured above but they are also supplying another complete kit for one of you. 

Everyone who leaves a comment about how they have become more environmentally conscious will be entered to win a Seventh Generation gift pack like the one pictured.  I will use Random.org to select a winner this Friday, April 9, at 3 pm MST.

*See product label for full details

The "Disinfecting Cleaning Kit," information and prize pack were all provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark. 

Inkling for Sprinkling

Are you a member of Poptarts' Sprinklings?  If not, what are you waiting for.  Poptarts Sprinklings is a club for moms where you can receive ideas for fun, new flavor releases and samples, valuable coupons and offers, and access to special promotions.  For example, in our mail today, we received a nice little package from Poptarts to help celebrate a 1/2 birthday.  It included a card, a banner, and a pack of cherry Poptarts.  This is the second time we have received a package like this.  We have received sneak peak packs of new flavors too.  Head to Sprinklings to sign up for free.

Rental Van Update

Over the past couple of weeks I have been able to add another $87.30 to the rental van fund bringing the total to $353.96.  The majority of that amount came from a special project I did.  $10 came from My Survey and another $10 came from Ipsos.  At this point, I am not sure I will be adding any more to the rental fund.  It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to receive cash out requests and we are just about 8 weeks away from our trip.

Rental Update

Friday's mail turned out to be very nice and Saturday's mail held an unexpected surprise.  Friday, I received payment for a study I did for J & J Friends and Neighbors program.  I also received the cash out I requested from Viewpoint Forum the previous week.  Those two added $47.73 to the rental fund.  Saturday, I received a $10 bill from Urban DNA.  Months ago I requested a cash out that I never received.  They never answered any emails and I really thought I would never see my payment.  Apparently, they are now starting to make good on old cash outs.  What a nice surprise.  All total, last week's mail added $57.73 to the rental fund bringing it to a whopping $266.66.  Yesterday, Dan went ahead and reserved the van.  Now I know the exact amount I am working towards....$631.33.  With just over 3 months to go, I need to earn another $364.67.

Normally, when I post rental updates, I post reviews and referrals to the programs I earned from.  This time, it's a little different.  I cannot in good conscience recommend Urban DNA.  I would love to recommend Viewpoint Forum because they are awesome but right now they aren't accepting new panelists.  When that changes, I will definitely post a referral.

Rental Update

As of today, there is currently $208.93 in the rental van fund.  Less than 4 months to go.  Now I am getting nervous.

$10 from a special survey from Zoompanel. They normally pay in points exchangeable for merchandise.  You get 5 points even if you don't qualify for the full survey.
$20 from Opinion Outpost. Normally, I cash out for Amazon credit.  Amazon credit pays out instantly.  The check option for payment says it takes up to 8 weeks but the last time I chose this option, I received the check in a week's time.
$16 from American Consumer Opinion Panel (ACOP)

Rental Update

There is now $162.93 in the rental fund.  I only have about 5 more months to build that balance as much as possible.  I am not worried....yet.

Cereal, it's not just for breakfast

Cereal was always a breakfast staple in our house when I was growing up and thanks to my affiliation with MyBlogSpark, I was reminded why.

According to the people at MyBlogSpark, General Mills has reduced the amount of sugar in kids cereals to single digit grams per serving while increasing other nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D.  Also, cereal eaters typically consume less fat and more fiber than non-cereal eaters. 

A study conducted in 1998 showed that children children who ate breakfast performed better at school. They score higher on tests, are less likely to miss class or be tardy, have fewer reported discipline problems, and make fewer trips to the office.  Given that cereal, including presweetened cereal, account for only 5% of sugar in children’s diets, to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of whole grains in a child’s diet, and cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures, I think cereal is truly the "breakfast of champions."

But I don't think cereal should be just for breakfast.  Cereal delivers important vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, making cereal a top source of key nutrients in children’s diets.  It is a wonderful source of wholegrain, sometimes the only wholegrains a child may get in their diet.  Along with becoming more nutritious, cereal is also very affordable.  All this combined makes cereal not only a great breakfast choice, but a good snacking choice as well.  It isn't unheard of in our house for someone to have a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch for an afternoon snack or a bowl of Coco Puffs for dessert.

For a limited time, you can print a $1 coupon for one of four General Mills cereals.

The wonderful people at MyBlogSpark graciously sent me four VIP coupons each for a free box of General Mills cereal.  I will be giving away one coupon to a randomly chosen winner on Friday.  To enter, leave a comment about your favorite breakfast cereal by 12:00 pm MST Friday 1/22.

*VIP coupons, $1 coupon link, and information provided by General Mills and MyBlogSpark*

Rental Update

I received the check for my last $10 cash out on Toluna and it's now in the "rental vehicle" fund.  The fund now has $110 in it. 

If you are interested in earning a little extra spending cash, you should try joining online survey companies.  Toluna is one of many that I belong to.  I became a member when Toluna took over Your 2 Cents.  While they are not my favorite survey company, the do have a few things going for them.  Unlike a lot of survey sites, you can earn points by voting in polls, writing opinions, surveys and more.  You earn 500 points just for joining.  They send out a high volume of survey invitations.  The down side is that you never know how much a survey is worth, 99% of their survey invites say "be the instant winner of $? - $?".  3000 points is equal to $1 and there is a minimum cash out; $15 (45000) for a $15 VIP Gift Pass or $20 (60000) for a check.  I have only ever cashed out for checks and they do take the full 8 weeks to arrive.  It may not be the best out there, but they are decent and worth a look.  If you are interested in joining, visit Toluna and tell them Kris sent you.

Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to Disney we go

Ok, can you tell I have Florida on the brain?!

I heard of a fantastic deal Disney is doing in 2010 that will enable us to visit at least 2 if not 3 theme parks on our trip to Florida next year.  We have rain checks that will get us a day at Busch Gardens.  We were already planning on Sea World since we haven't been there in a long time.  In fact, Chelsea and Nick have never been.  But now, thanks to a special deal Disney is offering, we will be able to add a Disney park as well.  Since this could quite possibly be the last family vacation with Matt and Steven, we want to really make it a big one, so a big thanks to Disney.

Now, if you haven't seen the commercials, visited Disney's website, or read other posts on the web, you probably don't have a clue what I am talking about.  So let me explain.  Disney is offering a free day at one of their parks in exchange for you volunteering for one day.  It's called Give a Day Get a Day.  Starting January 1, 2010, you can visit Disney's site to sign up for a day of volunteering.  Once you complete your day and it's been confirmed, you will receive a pass to get a free day at a Disney park.  The minimum age to participate is 6 years, so Nick's in.  Only one person per family can sign up, but they can sign up 8 additional family members.  Another cool feature is the ability to donate your ticket to certain charities if you don't plan on visiting the park.  Tickets are limited and there are some black out dates.  Visit Disney Parks to learn more.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

Technically, we aren't leaving until summer of 2010, but I thought that would be a cute title.

Since moving to Idaho in 2001, we have traveled home to Central Florida every other year.  2010 is our year to fly home.  And while we are all very excited, there is one part to the trip I dread.....around town transportation.  We are a large family which always causes a problem with getting around while we are visiting.  We have to rely on our family to taxi us around which always means at least 2 cars.  And if they aren't playing bus driver for us, they are graciously lending us a vehicle or two.  I always feel guilty.  So for our next trip I have decided a rental car, or in our case a rental van, is the way to go.

We usually stay 10 days, and rentals for that amount of time don't come cheap, especially not vans.  Our vacation funds are usually pretty stretched from the airfare, amusement parks, souvenirs, and spending cash so I am setting a goal to pay for the rental from the money I earn taking surveys.  For the next 7 months, I am going to track my earnings and see if I can't pay for that rental with what essentially amounts to my time.

I have a current starting balance of $100.  That's amount left over from survey money I was using to pay for Nick's birthday party.  The surveys I take usually pay in 1 of 3 ways, Paypal (which I use to fund the older kids' lunch accounts), Amazon codes (which fund...well shopping sprees, like Nick's new Adidas that are on the way), and checks.  Now, while I could transfer the Paypal funds to our checking account, I am not going to do that.  I am only going to count cash payments.

Wish me luck!

11/10/09: $100

Household Helper Tip #1

Having 4 kids means having a ton of laundry every week.  I easily do 20 loads in a normal week.  I am always on the look out for easy, effective, and inexpensive ways to remove a variety of stains.  My latest find works better than anything I have ever tried for the removal of blood stains, common household peroxide.  So far it has removed set in blood on clothing that was washed and dried and on a fresh stain that was caught right away.  Simply pour a small amount over the blood spot and watch the peroxide bubble away the stain.  I have used peroxide on denim, whites, cotton, and colors and have not had any bleaching effect or other damage done to the material.  Even though I have not experienced any damage, I still recommend testing your article of clothing before pouring the peroxide over the stain. 

Coupon Tip

Coupons are great, as long as they don't stick to each other, or get lost, or you forget you have them, or...well you get the idea.  While I don't profess to be an expert, I do have a tip to share with you.  Instead of keeping your coupons in one of those little coupon caddies or an envelope, use a three-ring binder.  I use baseball card sleeves but you can use any plastic sheet protector, it just depends on what size works best for you.  I separate food coupons from non-food coupons putting duplicates together. I use the pocket on the back cover for full page coupons and restaurant coupons.  The front pocket is great for holding your shopping list and the coupons you are using for the items in your cart.  You can see your coupons at a glance, none get stuck together, and they stay neat and organized.  Now, on your way out the door, just grab your coupon book and you are all set.  Since I started using this method, I routinely save $30 to $50 when I shop.  While I am proud of being able to save that kind of money, I still have a lot to learn.  For tips on how to get the most out of your now organized coupons, visit either FrugalSuz or SwagGrabber.

Give Away - Fiber One

We Have a Winner!!!!

How fitting that the FiberOne prize pack goes to the number One comment?!

Dawn - I need to Confirm your mailing address

UPDATE:  Due to a scheduling conflict, I am extending the deadline for posting a comment to be eligible for the drawing to 6 pm MST. 

I have been trying to incorporate all the different nutritional advice I encounter into my diet.  One of the big things is getting enough fiber.  FiberOne has been a big help in getting my recommended 25 grams a day.  I love their yogurt.  Thanks to MyBlogSpark, I have a new favorite way to reach my fiber goal, FiberOne toaster pastries.  I love that not only do they contain 5 grams of fiber in one serving, but they have no trans fats and are lower in calories than the leading brand of toaster pastries.

Would you like to try FiberOne's toasters pastries for yourself?  MyBlogSpark also sent me a wonderful gift pack to give to one lucky person.

To enter, post a comment with your favorite way to get more fiber into your diet.  I will randomly draw a winner on Thursday at 2pm mountain time.

School Fundraisers

Ah Fall, that special time of year when the weather cools, apples are in season, leaves are changing, and school kids start bringing home their fundraising brochures, begging you to buy from them again this year so they can earn a prize.  The monies brought in through fundraisers are definitely put to good use; our elementary school PTA uses their big fundraiser to pay for all the field trips through out the year.  That means no child gets left behind because their parents' can't afford the cost of a field trip.  Besides that wonderful contribution, the funds do help out in a lot of other areas as well.  However; especially with the economy the way it is right now, who needs another roll of overpriced wrapping paper, more cookie dough, another flimsy trinket?  My husband won't take order forms to work because he hates "hitting up" his co-workers to spend money on things they don't really need (although I do find it odd that he will order from one of them if they bring in an order form, but I digress).  The schools and attentive parents won't let kids go door to door, not like when I was a kid.  And unfortunately, more and more people don't live near extended family.  So that poses the question, who are these little salesmen supposed to hock their wares to?  Yes, fundraisers are needed and extremely helpful in providing a better school environment, but there has to be a better way.  I for one would prefer to help our schools by doing things I already do.  I have found some wonderful opportunities to support our children and our schools that don't require me to buy something I don't really need.  And what's more, most of these programs will enable family members to help out long distance.

If you shop at Albertson's for even a few groceries, you can help out the school of your choice.  After you link your Preferred Savers card to the school, every time you shop and swipe your card, the school will earn a percentage of the amount you spend.  Visit Albertson's Community Partners to link your card to your favorite school.

If you drink Coke products, including soda, Dasani, Powerade, and Minute Maid products, you can collect the points found under the caps and on the end flaps of twelve packs.  These points can be donated to the school of your choice to be used for a varitey of school supplies and equipment.  This program is great because family members that do not live close by can still help out.  Participating in this program is completely free, just start collecting those codes.  Visit MCR for Schools to see if your chosen school is participating.

If you eat at Subway, considering purchasing a Subway card.  You only need to purchase one and you can continually reload it.  If you link your Subway Card to your school choice, everytime you use your Subway Card to pay for your purchase, a portion is donated to your school.  Visit Subway Kids to learn more.

If you shop online, you are probably familiar with online shopping portals.  I use them all the time to earn a little cash back.  Instead of always using one that gives you cash back directly, you can use OneCause to earn cash back for your school.  Visit OneCause to learn more.

If you have a Target RedCard, you can use it to earn money for your school.  Once you enroll in Take Charge of Education, choose the school you want to contribute to and then shop as you normally would.  Visit Take Charge of Education for more information.

Two proven and reliable programs that offer ways to help your school are Box Tops for Education and Campbell's Soup Labels.  With both of these programs, you simply clip the portion of the label or box required and turn them into your school.  These programs are a little more difficult for long distance friends and family to participate in.  They do have the option of mailing the Box Tops and Labels to you for you to turn in or they can help earn by shopping through the Box Top Marketplace.  This is another online shopping portal that offers cash back to your school.  Visit Box Top Education to learn more.

A new program being implemented by CapriSun and Kool-Aid allows schools to turn in empty drink pouches to earn money.  If you normally purchase drink pouches, don't throw the empties away, turn them into your school to help them earn money through TerraCycle.  Not only are you helping your school, you are helping our planet.

Finally, if your school needs to run a true fundraiser, why not suggest something new, a personalized cookbook.  TasteBook offers a fundraising program that keeps our kids from becoming miniature salespeople.  Once the school registers, they can promote their cookbook link continually through flyers, bulletins, online postings, etc.  When someone is in need of a gift or wants to update their own cookbook collection, they use the school's link to customize their cookbook.  The school earns $10 for every cookbook sold through the link.  Or the school can create their own cookbook, order a set number of copies and sell them for what ever price them choose.  I personally think the cookbook link is the way to go.  Kids don't need to feel the pressure to sell, parents don't feel the need to help their child "earn" a prize, relatives who live elsewhere can order too, and it is an ongoing event with no deadline.  Visit TasteBook to learn more.

I definitely think schools need help from the community to provide the best possible educational experience they can.  However, I think there are better ways than turning our children into salesmen with the stress of keeping track of money and orders.  I have mentioned several options and I am sure there are many more out there.  Please tell your PTA organization you want to help and tell them about all the different ways there are that don't require hocking more wrapping paper.  Check out the options listed to see if your school is participating, if not, encourage them to start because every little bit helps.

Widget

October 5

I am so proud to say that as of today I am 14 months smoke free.  I have survived a car accident that totaled my van and a hectic 40 minutes in which my 5 year old was lost on his first day of kindergarten with out lighting up.  I have defied the odds and put all naysayers in their place, including myself.  I never thought I would be able to stay quit, I never thought I would want to.  I won't lie and say that I don't think about smoking, I do, just not as often anymore.  I know the reason I stay quit is because I know if I ever light up again, I will never be able to quit again.  So here's to 14 months and to many more months to come!

Ahhh...Aveeno

I have been trying out Aveeno's new Nourish+ line of shampoos and conditioners. They have three sets, Nourish+ Moisturize, Nourish+ Revitalize, and Nourish+ Volumize plus Nourish+ Soothe shampoo and Nourish+ Condition leave in treatment.

I have always battled with fine, thin, limp hair so I am using the Nourish+ Volumize.  It contains a wheat complex and Blue Lotus flower and is formulated to condition with out weighing my hair down.  So far I am loving it.  The shampoo and conditioner are silky smooth.  The shampoo lathers really well and they both rinse clean easily.  My hair feels soft and has some bounce to it now.

This new line of hair care is a welcome addition to the already awesome Aveeno line-up.

What Aveeno product is your favorite?

I was given the opportunity to try Aveeno's Nourish+ Volumize thanks to my affiliation with BzzAgent.  Do you want to help spread the word about new products?  If so, sign up to become a BzzAgent

A New Chairman of the Board

When you hear the name Harry Connick Jr., what comes to mind?  Gorgeous blue eyes?  Talented actor? Talented musician and singer?  Personally, I think of all that and more, a real renaissance man, a modern day Frank Sinatra.

Thanks to my affiliation with One2OneNetwork, I had the pleasure of listening to Harry's new album, Your Songs, before it's official release on September 22.  Each time I listen to it, I melt.

Your Songs is filled with Harry's take on familiar songs.  It is a smooth, mellow throwback to a different era.  It transports you back to a time when the Rat Pack reigned supreme.  I grew up listening to all kinds of music, including the oldies.  I can honestly say, Harry Connick Jr. is as good, if not better, than Ol' Blue Eyes himself in his heyday.  Between Harry Connick Jr. and Michael Buble, a whole new Rat Pack era could be ushered in.

Album Tracklisting (Originally performed by):

  1. All The Way (Frank Sinatra)

  2. Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)

  3. Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)

  4. And I Love Her (The Beatles)

  5. (They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)

  6. Besame Mucho

  7. The Way You Look Tonight

  8. First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)

  9. Your Song (Elton John)

10. Some Enchanted Evening

11. And I Love You So (Don McLean)

12. Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)

13. Smile (Charlie Chaplin)

14. Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

My favorite tracks on the album are All The Way (#1), Can't Help Falling In Love With You (#3), And I Love Her (#4), Close To You (#5), and Your Song (#9).  Actually, I really liked every song on the album with one exception.

Harry Connick Jr. puts his own touch on all the songs on the album, he arranged and orchestrated the entire project.  Most of the songs already fell into his genre, that smooth jazz/big band sound.  His arrangements of The Beatles And I Love Her, Elvis' Can't Help Falling In Love, and Elton John's Your Song, are pleasant and unique twists on well known and loved songs.  He has made those three songs sound like they were written as jazz classics, he has made them his own.  Unfortunately, I can't say the same for his take on Billy Joel's classic Just The Way You Are.  It may be my own prejudice as a huge fan of Billy Joel, but I was really disappointed with this song.  Unlike with the other 13 songs, I just couldn't sing along with this track.  My mind kept trying to "hear" Joel's version.  I couldn't let myself go and just enjoy Connick Jr.'s take.  But hey, to love 13 out of 14 tracks on an album, well that's almost unheard of, a real testament to Harry Connick Jr.'s talent.

If you were a fan of Sinatra, jazz and the big band era, this is the perfect cd for you.  If you just love music of all kinds and want a change of pace, pick up this album, you won't be disappointed.

You can catch Harry Connick Jr during the following television appearances:

9/25 – Oprah “Live Friday”

9/28 – Today Show

9/29 – The View

9/30 – Imus in the Morning

9/30 – Letterman

10/1 – Today Show

Week of 10/5 – Rachael Ray

For a behind the scenes look at the making of Your Songs, click here

Paid Attention

I don't know about you but I really don't like pop-up ads on the internet or for that matter commercial breaks during my favorite shows. I realize advertisers need to get their messages out there somehow but how about paying me for my attention?! My time is worth something and I don't want advertisers stealing it. Luckily, I have found two sites that do indeed pay me for my attention.

The first is YouData. This is strictly an advertising site. You sign up, enter your two validation codes (one is sent to your email the other is sent to your cellphone via text, they only send one text, they do not spam your phone at all), and fill out your MeFile. They then match your demographics to advertisers and pay you to view ads tailored to who you are. You get only ads that are relevant to you. YouData pays every Friday via PayPal, you don't have to submit a request and wait to be paid. Based on your demographics, you may not get a lot of money, but atleast you are getting paid for your attention. If you are interested in joining, please use my link to check them out: Join YouData  (it is a referral link and I will get credit if you join through it)

The second is Spotwinner. After registering on Spotwinner, you view regular television ads and answer one question to verify you watched it. In return, you earn entries into sweepstakes drawings and Spotcash. Spotcash can be redeemed for a variety of giftcards. Each week, the sweepstakes prizes change. Since joining, I personally have redeemed for Amazon gift cards, won extra Spotcash in the sweepstakes, and I have won a Sony portable dvd player worth $180. They are a legitimate company willing to pay you for your attention. Again, if you would like to join, please use my link (it is a referral link and I do get credit for you joining): Join Spotwinner