February 2012 Archives - Musing Mainiac

A Guide to the Gamers Universe

February 29, 2012 by Guest Author

“In his own little word” – A quote often used to describe that ever strained face accompanied with blood shots eyes; glued to the TV screen and hands clasped on a game controller clicking away. Now that quote may seem like a passing comment, but actually thanks to the advances of the gaming world – this quote isn’t far off point. Video Games are now being filed into various planets and worlds contained in a vast ‘gaming universe’. This idea stems from the advances of technology and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: entertainment, gaming, nintendo, playstation, super mario, xbox games

The 10 Best Movie Rock Songs

February 28, 2012 by Guest Author

Movie music has come a long way from the reel book days of the silent film era. Good music can make a good movie into a great movie - just think of Garden State, or Spider-man. Some directors have a knack for choosing just the right song for a scene, and can make our hearts sing with their fusion of sound and visuals. Right, now on to housekeeping. Firstly, this list is only about rock songs. You won’t find the frankly excellent Theme from Shaft here. Secondly, I’ve left out all Musicals … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: movies, music, music articles, rock music, top 10, top 10 lists

Energizer Light Up A Life Champions for Kids Campaign – The Kit #CBias #EnergizerCFK

February 27, 2012 by Beth

A week or so ago I told you about the Energizer Light Up A Life Champions for Kids Campaign and how I was participating. If you didn't read that post, the reason that I wanted to partake was because in 1998, Maine had an extremely dangerous ice storm that left more than half the state without power for over 2 weeks. I don't think I could bear my kids or any other child being in that same situation, being cold and scared for that long. Our mission was to create an emergency kit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Musings Tagged With: #CBias #ChampionsForKids, Care Kit Hashtags: #EnergizerCFK, Champions for Kids, Charity, Children, Energizer, Light Up a Life, Service Project, Walmart, Winter Survival Kit

Seventh Generation And The Lorax Giveaway – Ends 3/13

February 26, 2012 by Beth

We are big Dr. Suess fans here at my house. I read his books when I was little and I still read them to Katie. One of our favorites is The Lorax and I can't tell you how excited we are about all the hoopla it's receiving due to the movie coming out soon. Seventh Generation has partnered with The Lorax, which makes perfect sense since the book is about saving the environment and it is the companies mission as well. I received a package of Seventh Generation Free and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Seventh Generation, The Lorax

Big G Retro Cereal Giveaway – Ends 3/12

February 26, 2012 by Beth

Did you know that it's Atari's 40th Anniversary this year? Yup I can't believe it myself. I don't think that video games would be the same, if we even had them at all if it weren't for Atari. I remember playing games like Breakout and Pong when I was a child. I loved them and had a blast playing too! Big G Cereals have gone Retro and have partnered with Atari to bring some 80's style fun to your breakfast table: It´s time to dust off your sweat bands, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Atari, Big G Retro

Celtic Woman Review And Giveaway – Ends 3/11

February 26, 2012 by Beth

I have always loved Celtic music. I find it soothing and hauntingly beautiful. With my fathers family originating in Ireland and Scotland I think the music is in my blood and speaks to me in a very deep way. I was pretty thrilled to be able to review the new Celtic Woman CD and DVD. I had actually never heard them before and am happy to report that they are truly a bunch of talented and beautiful ladies! Here is a little information on Celtic Woman and their new CD … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Giveaways Tagged With: Celtic Woman

Chicklet by 2 Chix‏ – Chick In Charge Tee Review

February 24, 2012 by Beth

I never realized how much fun clothes could be until I had my daughter. It's funny because my own style is pretty much jeans and a tee shirt and the same thing goes for my sons. My sons were fun to dress until they turned about 4 or 5 and then their clothing options got rather boring. Having Katie truly opened up my fashion world. I absolutely LOVE dressing her. It also doesn't help that she is just so darned cute! I love the fact that with girls there are so many choices, from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: 2 Chix, Chicklets, maternity clothes

K5 Learning Review Coming Soon

February 24, 2012 by Beth

K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program. I can't wait to have my son Rowan try this out! … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Reviews

My Phantom Of The Opera Party – Giveaway Ends 3/8

February 23, 2012 by Beth

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about the new Blu-ray and DVD release of Universal Home Entertainment's The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall and I also shared with you how I was going to host a masquerade themed screening party to celebrate. Unfortunately my party did not come off as planned because my whole family came down with the flu and then a head cold immediately following. I decided to make the best of the situation by having the party with just my family … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Entertainment, Giveaways

Neosporin Essentials – Ease Eczema Discomfort

February 19, 2012 by Beth

My father had horrible Eczema when he was a young boy. So much so that he had to take tar baths. Yes, Tar baths....I can't imagine. All I can think of is that nasty hot tar smell...Yuck! Well thanks to my father he has passed the Eczema gene on to his children and grandchildren. My sisters and my cases are relatively mild. I get some dry itchy patches during the winter and my sister Karen gets it on her hands and once her on her eye lids...gross! My children have it too. When … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Eczema

Easing Children’s Burden Concerning Home Loss to Foreclosure

February 15, 2012 by Guest Author

When families experience hard times financially due to job loss, major illness, or any other unexpected situation, it is not uncommon for them to have difficulty meeting their monthly mortgage payments. These people are apt to be forced out of their homes due to foreclosure. Certain homeowners can also attempt to obtain approval for a real estate short sale, which could help lessen the negative impact on their credit score and provide them with more time to find a new … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Musings Tagged With: children and money, foreclosure, foreclosure help, kids

Ethan Has Joined The Wrestling Team – Wordless Wednesday

February 15, 2012 by Beth

Freaking out here...My autistic son Ethan, who has never wanted to join anything let alone a sport, signed up for the wrestling team. Tonight he has his first meet...This Mama is slightly tweaking...He will be just fine right? … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Musings Tagged With: autistic son, Wordless Wednesday, wrestling team

The Origin of The Shih Tzu

February 15, 2012 by Guest Author

Researchers have found through DNA, the ancestors of the Shih Tzu of today, are linked with a group of ancient breeds, which includes a close relationship to wolves. History of the Shih Tzu Skeletal remains of this breed were found along with human remains that date back ten thousand years; the study was conducted by Ludvic von Schulmuth. Originating in China, the closest descendants of the Shih Tzu have been found to be the prehistoric Chinese Wolf. The Shih Tzu name when translated … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Musings Tagged With: dog breeds, dog lover, pet health

Single on V day? Things to Do

February 14, 2012 by Guest Author

Valentine's day, or to many, Single Awareness Day, can be rough to those that aren't in love. It's a day to celebrate your love, and it's a great holiday―when you have someone. If you don't this year, it can be pretty rough. But just because you are single on Valentine's day, doesn't mean that you have to retreat into a little hole and eat ice cream all day. There are many things that you can do to celebrate this day of love! 1. Host a fondue party. If you've got lots of other single … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Musings Tagged With: Valentine's Day

How to Sneak Vegetables into a Young Child’s Diet

February 14, 2012 by Guest Author

Before you sigh in frustration; no this is not yet another article which suggests that a child will chow down on carrots and broccoli with no reservation simply because these vegetable have been arranged into a smiley face on their dinner plate! Parents know that the inclusion of vegetables at all during a young child’s meal time can be a recipe for a howling and leg-kicking disaster and so sneaking the goodness of legumes into a child’s diet without detection is an advised practise. As … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Recipes/Food Tagged With: Children, Diet, Dinner, food, health, kids, vegetables

Are You And Your Kids Prepared For A Winter Emergency? #EnergizerCFK #CBias

February 13, 2012 by Beth

Living in Maine can be a challenge, especially in the winter months. Our winters can be brutal. Back in 1998 we had a freak ice storm which left everything in a thick coating of ice which caused tree limbs to snap and break taking power lines down with them. The devastation was widespread. Nearly half of Maine's population were without power, some for nearly 2 weeks and some even longer than that. All 16 counties were declared Federal Disaster Areas and sadly there were 6 … [Read more...]