This is so cool! Can anyone say date night? My husband and I have not gone out together alone in over 6 months. 

This is information about the event from the Long Center’s website:

The Long Center is proud to present the wonderful and hilarious Kathy Griffin, November 22 in Dell Hall.

That’s right Austin, she’s back! If multiple HBO and Bravo specials weren’t enough – catch double Emmy award winning Kathy Griffin live in her true element. She has more stories, more dish, more of what she shouldn’t say but you know you want to hear. Come with an open mind and laugh until you cry!

Double Emmy winning and Grammy nominated Chicago native Kathy Griffin, a multi-faceted performer with a rapid fire wit, is probably best known for her four-year stint on the NBC sitcom “Suddenly Susan” as Vickie Groener, Brooke Shields’ acerbic colleague.

• Official website for Kathy Griffin
• This performance is intended for mature audiences.
• Contact our Group Sales department for information on discounts for groups of 10 or more.

NightOUT

Treat yourself to a Night OUT at the Long Center, benefiting Equality Texas, HRC Austin and Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)!

Purchase a ticket to Kathy Griffin today using one of thepromo codes below and 10% of your purchase goes back to the organization of your choice. Get a group of friends together and your purchase makes an even bigger difference!

Your show ticket gets you free admission to the pre-show Night OUT party in the Kodosky Lounge with light hors d’oeuvres and drink specials at our cash bar. Night OUT starts at 6:30, giving you plenty of time to have a drink, mingle with friends and make your way into Dell Hall for the 8 pm show!

Promo Codes:
Equality Texas: EQUALITY
HRC Austin: HRC
Transgender Education Network of Texas: TENT

(With groups of 10 or more, you get a 10% discount, PLUS the donation to the non profit you choose! **Does not apply to other offers or previous purchases.)

RSVP to the Pre-Show Party on Facebook ›

Holiday Food Drive

This year the Long Center will be partnering with Caritas of Austin to help prevent and end poverty in Austin. Caritas serves over 20,000 people each year whose opportunities have been diminished by poverty and homelessness. Our clients include households of all kinds; many of whom are veterans, refugees, women and children. They all share a common reality: they are struggling to get by. They are currently homeless or could become homeless at any time. Regardless of clients’ past experience and future goals, Caritas works alongside each one to increase stability and self-sufficiency (learn more).

We will have collection bins set up near main building entrances, and would encourage you to bring something with you when coming to this performance (see a list of the most-needed items). Help us make Austin a better place this holiday season!

Get your tickets here!

 

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary tickets to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

This past week I was honored to be invited to and attend the Tommee Tippee 360 Sealer Event in Austin for bloggers. Having a baby has been a wonderful adventure this year. But staying abreast of all the latest and greatest products is hard. You are so caught up in the moment where is the time to research new trends for babies?

The Tommee Tippee 360 Sealer Event was held downtown Austin at Cantina Laredo, 201 W 3rd St. A place I had never visited, but oh my gosh their crab cakes were yummy!

Tommee Tippee had so many cool products on display. I will admit I was not too familiar with the brand. I had only recently found their bottles on one of my shopping trips to Target. But they really have a lot to offer!

• Bottles
• Cups
• Pacifiers
• Breast Pumps
• Teethers
• Bibs
• Tableware
• 360 Sealer and more!

From the Tommee Tippee Website

The innovative 360° sealer™ Diaper Disposal System from tommee tippee® is a unique diaper pail that seals each dirty diaper, all the way around in antimicrobial film, helping to lock in odor. The system is easy to set up, easy to use and easy to empty, meaning you can spend less time changing and more time with baby.

The 360° sealer™ Diaper Disposal System comes fully assembled with one refill as standard or with four refills as part of our Extra Value Pack.

 

As an added treat Brooke Howsley from Pollen Floral Art gave us all a how to on floral arrangements. This was super fun. She provided us with instructions as well as all the supplies needed. I have to say, mine was pretty awesome! Lol

What do you think about my floral arrangement, not to shabby huh? I would not have been able to do it without the instructions and supplies being provided.

I am really excited about trying some of these Tommee Tippee products out with my baby!

No party is complete without cake! yummy

 

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary product from Tommee Tippee to facilitate this post. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A few years back my husband went into the hospital with chest pains. During his hospital stay he was diagnosed with high blood pressure. And so, it began our life with at home blood pressure monitors. He is on many medications to keep the high blood pressure at bay but you always need a method of checking it from home. When you are not feeling so great it is not very convenient to go to CVS to check your pressure.

Earlier this year while pregnant I had my own battle with hypertension start. I was diagnosed with Pre-eclampsia and hypertension! This was a whole new world to me. I have always been healthy with no medical issues at all.

This is when I learned that not all blood pressure devices are created equal. In addition to that, not all blood pressure monitors work the same for every person. I had always used the same device my husband has used for years. But for some reason out of the blue it stopped working for me. I have quite large upper arms so I purchased the larger cuff but still had issue. The device became unreliable and this was not acceptable because I had to keep an eye on my pressure for my heath as well as the health of our baby.

So when I was asked to review the Ozeri CardioTech Pro Series BP5K Digital Blood Pressure Monitor with Voice-Guided Operation & Intelligent Hypertension Indicator I was really excited to give it a go. It sounds fancy right?

I like that the box is small and has the instructions on top. When buying something that is health related I like to see the instructions first thing. I appreciate that there were instructions and that they were easy to follow.

The Ozeri CardioTech Pro comes with a very nice and sturdy case to put it in when not in use. I really like this. With three kids in home things do occasionally get broken so your Ozeri CardioTech Pro is nice and protected.

Packaging was great, the the Ozeri CardioTech Pro Series BP5K Digital Blood Pressure Monitor  was wrapped in bubble wrap. I like good packaging. I can’t tell you how many times I have ordered something and it arrived broken. Ask me about the snowglobe later….

The Ozeri CardioTech Pro Series BP5K Digital Blood Pressure Monitor us used by attaching it to your wrist. The velcro writs attachment is already attached when you get it.

In addition to that, the device comes with two AAA batteries.  I really appreciate it when you get something that already has the batteries. With having a new baby and all the cool toys and bouncers etc we are constantly running out of batteries. In all honestly, if the Ozeri CardioTech Pro Series BP5K Digital Blood Pressure Monitor has not come with the batteries I would have been really sad.

The Ozeri CardioTech Pro Series BP5K Digital Blood Pressure Monitor is really easy to use. You turn the power button on and it starts talking to you and telling you exactly what you need to do. I will admit that the first few times I gave it a go I did have difficulty positioning my arm at the right height to get a pressure reading. Other than that I really like the The Ozeri CardioTech Pro Series BP5K Digital Blood Pressure Monitor!

• New intelligent voice-guided feature alerts you to the proper positioning of your wrist for accurate blood pressure measurements.
• Automatically provides an audible hypertension assessment via a new talking function (as well as a display on the LCD screen).
• Portable, accurate, and simple-to-use with clinically proven technology, stores 180 blood pressure readings (90 x 2 users) with date and time recordings.
• Automatic Irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia) detection and Hypertension Indicator.
• Push-button access to average blood pressure readings based on all readings in memory, AM versus PM readings, or the 3 most recent readings.

***I was able to control my Pre-eclampsia and hypertension with medication and 4 months after giving birth I was able to get off the medication.

 

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

 

 

IF YOU ARE THE TECH-SAVVY, AUSTIN-BASED VERSION OF “THE GOLDBERGS” – THEY WANT YOU!

Emmy-Award winning production company NOW CASTING in the AUSTIN AREA for REAL families who are not only tech-savvy and social media obsessed, but also the funniest on the block!

Does your son/daughter use Instagram to express their moods with flair and comedy?  Does your husband/wife write a hilarious blog about your lives?  Are you the family that tweets funny photos constantly?

If you are in the Austin area, have teenagers or pre-teens, are entertaining and love the latest tech we they are looking for you!  Looking for nuclear families and blended families alike.  They  are searching for the Austin version of “THE GOLDBERGS” for 2013!

If this is you, please email LISACASTING@GMAIL.COM with the following info:

-Name

-Age

-Location

-Phone Number

-Description of your family (names, ages, jobs etc.)

-Your family’s tech/social media background

-Blurb about why you are a funny family

-Recent photos of you and your family.

 

Submit ASAP to be considered for new lighthearted docu-series for a major network!

 

It’s that time of year again when more than 6,000 twinkling lights and 400 ornaments in a variety of colors light up the 40-foot tree at the Domain’s Annual Lighting of the Great Tree. Santa Claus’ elves can hardly wait…

Bring the entire family out on Saturday, November 23rd, for a full day of holiday festive song writer, Phil Vassar and a special performance by Outside Voices, a local children’s choir, who will take the stage before the headliner. Free family-friendly entertainment will kick-off at noon including children’s holiday music, face painting, caricature drawings, balloon twisting and holiday crafts near iPic Theaters. Many stores will also be offering special in-store events and offers throughout the day. To make sure you are in the holiday spirit, carolers will be strolling around throughout the day.

The event will culminate with the lighting of the tree by Santa Claus and a fireworks show after the Great Tree is lit. If that is not enough holiday entertainment for you, attendees are invited to enjoy marshmallow roasting in The Park.

The Domain Lighting of The Great Tree is FREE and open to the public.

WHEN: Saturday, November 23, 2013

TIME: Noon -5 p.m. Holiday entertainment, craft activities, face painting, caricature drawings and balloon twisting near iPic Theater

6 p.m. Musical performances by Outside Voices and Phil Vassar followed by the countdown to the lighting of the tree and fireworks in front of Macy’s

WHERE: The Domain
11410 Century Oaks Terrace
Austin, TX 78758

For more information, follow the Lighting of the Great Tree on Facebook, Twitter or their website.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received monetary compensation for this post.  The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

 

Denny’s in Round Rock will celebrate its recent remodeling by serving up a Grand Slam® opening celebration on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 9 a.m. Located at 2700 N. Interstate 35, the newly-renovated restaurant offers diners a first look at its all-new, locally-inspired design, updated features and reinvigorated menu with a renewed focus on classic diner favorites.

To kick off the opening festivities, Denny’s will reward the first 100 diners through the door with a free Original Grand Slam®, which includes two buttermilk pancakes, two eggs cooked to order, two bacon strips and two sausage links. The celebration continues throughout the day, with a free Classic Burger & Fries given to the first 25 lunch guests to drop by the restaurant beginning at noon, and a free entrée for the first 25 dinner guests to dine at Denny’s at 6 p.m. Hundreds of additional prizes will be given away during the day-long celebration.

“Today’s grand re-opening is not only an exciting day for the residents of Round Rock, but for all of us at Denny’s as well,” said Montana Martin, Denny’s operating partner. “We’ve been a key part of this community for more than 15 years, and we couldn’t think of a better way to mark this occasion than with a Grand Slam® of a celebration.”

Located at 2700 N. I-35, the diner is conveniently situated just west of the interstate near Johnny Carino’s, Jack Allen’s Kitchen and the Courtyard Marriott Round Rock hotel. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the restaurant is the perfect full-service dining destination for residents, shoppers and visitors of Round Rock.

As a full-service diner, the Round Rock Denny’s will continue to serve great food at affordable prices for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even late-night in a relaxed, friendly environment. Denny’s is also known for providing its customers with tremendous value, including these great deals:

• $2 $4 $6 $8 Value Menu® – Denny’s all day, every day value menu lets guests choose from 16 dishes at affordable prices, including traditional favorites as well as several new a la carte items.

• Kids Eat Free – Guests can receive up to two free kids meal for children ages 10 and under with the purchase of each adult entrée. The offer is good from 4 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays only, and menu items and prices may vary.

• “Fit Fare” – Delicious choices that are good for you, too.  Denny’s “Fit Fare” options feature healthy choices like egg whites and hearty wheat breads that can be substituted into any meal for no extra charge. Using the expansive Build Your Own Grand Slam® menu, diners have more than 250 ways to build a meal with 550 calories or less, and 32 ways to build a meal of 400 calories or less. With plenty of simple substitutions and healthy “Fit Fare” entrees found throughout the lunch and dinner menu, Denny’s makes it easy for you to eat well on the go.

• Free Birthday Grand Slam®– Celebrate your special day with a free Original Grand Slam® meal at participating Denny’s restaurants. The Original Grand Slam® offer is free for the birthday guy or gal who can show proof that it’s their birthday, and is good for dine-in only.

• AARP Members Save 20 Percent – Show your AARP membership card at participating Denny’s restaurants and save 20 percent off your total check from 4 to 10 p.m. every day. Also, coffee is just $1 for AARP members and their guests, 24/7.

 

Austin residents can ring in the holiday season with cupcakes, cocoa and 20,000 pounds of snow this holiday season at Crystal Falls in Leander.

It all takes place during the Crystal Falls Winter Wonderland event on Dec. 8. The popular suburban Austin community will host an afternoon of holiday fun complete with hot cocoa, train rides, a visit from Santa and much more including a chance to win a $1,500 trip to Vail. The event is free and open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Since no holiday event can be complete without powdery white snow, the master-planned community is trucking in 20,000 pounds of magical snow fit for the North Pole. After getting their picture taken with Santa Claus, children can delight in frolicking through the fluffy, icy fun while crafting snowballs, making snow angels and enjoying an ice slide built for wintery amusement.

While kids of all ages have their faces painted and sample delicious free cupcakes from Hey Cupcake!, adults can tour Taylor Morrison’s four new models at Crystal Falls and register to win a $1,500 trip to Vail, Colorado or a Keurig coffee maker. 

Visitors who tour the community and collect a stamp from each of the four models will be entered to win the vacation package to Vail or the coffee maker.

“It’s the perfect way to get into the spirit of the season,” said Tim Towell, president of Taylor Morrison’s Austin division. “Children will love the cupcakes and visiting with Santa while the adults get a glimpse of our latest homes at Crystal Falls.”

Local radio station MAJIC 95.5 Austin will also be on hand, broadcasting live from the event while Taylor Morrison remembers those in need this holiday season by presenting the Susan G. Komen Foundation with a $5,000 donation and collecting toys for the underprivileged with a Toys for Tots donation booth.

“The holidays are such a magical time of the year,” Towell said. “We want to spread as much holiday cheer as we possibly can this season.”

For more details on the event, please contact Heather Fox at 512-845-7350 or hfox@taylormorrison.com.

For more information about Taylor Morrison, please visit www.taylormorrison.com

Whenever I hear or see Winnie the Pooh I think of my grandma. It is her favorite cartoon to watch. If you think about it, there is nothing I could possibly say negative about Winnie the Pooh. It exudes wholesomeness and just happiness for every pore!

Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year is now on Blu-ray™ and Digital Copy for the very first time. Newly re-mastered in digital high definition, this sparkling holiday classic is an inspiring celebration of friendship.

Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year , Rabbit will only discover the true spirit of the season after his pals make misguided New Year’s resolutions to change – with hilarious and heartfelt results! Featuring beloved characters, delightful songs and fun-filled bonus goodies, this special “Gift of Friendship Edition” is sure to become a shared family tradition for generations to come!

Honestly, there are points in this movie what will have you and your children laughing out loud. But there are also really great moments that you can revisit later and talk to your children about. Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year has officially been added to our must watch holiday library!

When you buy the Blu-ray you get digital copy and can get the movie on your smart phone, tablet and computer! You can take Winnie The Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year with you on the go!

 

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

The Christmas Carol is one of the best classic Christmas movies ever. This is an adaptation of the 1843 book with the same name by Charles Dickens.  We all have seen it some time in our life. But let’s face it; it’s not a very exciting movie to watch with your children.

This is why I love Mickey’s Christmas Carol. It is Disney’s colorful way to bring a Christmas classic in your home that your children will love!

Disney just released the 30th Anniversary Special Edition of Mickey’s Christmas Carol in first time on Blu-ray™ Hi-Def! Also, when you buy the Blu-ray you get digital copy and can get the movie on your smart phone, tablet and computer! You can take Mickey’s Christmas Carol with you on the go!

Mickey’s Christmas Carol tells the classic Dickens story with the Disney twist with an all-star cast including: Uncle Scrooge McDuck as Scrooge, Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit, Goofy as Jacob Marley’s Ghost, Daisy Duck as Belle, Donnald Duck as Nephew Fred and many more!  

We watched Mickey’s Christmas Carol two times last night. My children loved all the vivid colors, action and the message that Mickey’s Christmas Carol has, treat others with kindness, generosity and compassion. And the true meaning of Christmas! What more can you ask for. Make sure you get your copy of Mickey’s Christmas Carol for your family to enjoy.

About Mickey’s Christmas Carol

Ring in the holidays with a new 30^th Anniversary Special Edition of Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Disney’s timeless tale sparkles like never before on Blu-ray and Digital Copy, with fully-restored classic holiday shorts, plus all-new bonus features!

Make the season merry as Mickey, Goofy, Donald and all their pals star in a heartwarming retelling of Dickens’ unforgettable holiday tale. Ebenezer Scrooge (Scrooge McDuck) is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is a time for kindness and generosity. But with the guidance of some wise ghosts (Goofy and Jiminy Cricket) and a bunch of newfound friends, Scrooge learns to embrace the spirit of the season. Share this wonderful holiday treat with the whole family!

Bonus Features

Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Yodelberg, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, Art of Skiing, Corn Chips, & The Hockey Champ

 

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary product to facilitate this review . The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

TOTAL MOMMY FITNESS is now available for digital download as a free app in iTunes  for iPhones and iPads.  The new digital fitness magazine launches their November issue today with Dixie Chick Martie Maguire as its cover girl. 

You can download the free app here.

Total Mommy Fitness is an Austin, TX based company that provides fitness and nutrition coaching for pregnant women and new moms. Since founded in 2005 by personal trainer, Tatum Rebelle, Total Mommy Fitness has advocated for the health and support of women during pregnancy and motherhood. Information and coaching is available at www.totalmommyfitness.com

 

 

 

Today (11/12/13) Turbo is available on Blu-ray and DVD!

In celebration, we have a #TurboFastFun video where you can watch the film in a flash — a 60- second flash that is! We love Turbo and hope your family will love it too!