Cool Watch Promotion in Downtown Milford

Rottermond Jewelers, a family-owned shop located in downtown Milford and Brighton are selling watches for a great cause – our oceans.

The shop has teamed up with the Ocean Conservancy, a national organization dedicated to helping protect our oceans, to sell “Ocean” watches for $24.95, with 40 percent of proceeds being donated. The watch is available in small and large dial sizes and in 16 colors.

“The Ocean Conservancy is a wonderful organization to partner with,” said Cindi Rottermond, owner of Rottermond Jewelers. “Not only are customers thrilled with the variety of colors available, but they feel compelled to give back at such a critical time for our oceans.”

More than $3,300 has been raised already during the promotion, however, it’s Rottermond’s goal to reach $10,000 by Oct. 16, when the promotion ends.

To purchase an Ocean watch, visit Rottermond Jewelers at 351 N. Main St. in Milford or 102 E. Main St. in Brighton. Customers can also place orders online at www.shop.rottermond.com.

To learn more about the Ocean Conservancy and its mission, visit www.oceanconservancy.org.

My Childhood Toys Are Now Considered “Retro”

Star Wars, Atari and  Garbage Pail Kids trading cards all bring back memories of being a kid in the 80′s.  I would spend hours listening to Michael Jackson’s Thriller on my bubblegum pink boom box making up dances and trying to perfect the “snake”.  Today, these toys are considered retro.  Some are being remade, but the originals…you can’t beat the originals.

Whether its Star Wars, The Beatles or Super Mario Bros. that gets your childhood heart beating, there’s something for everyone at The Retro Spot, a dreamy collection of pop culture items now for sale within Wind River Gallery in downtown Milford.

Look for original Star Wars toys, collectibles, action figures, Atari and Nintendo systems and games, records and nearly 1,000 other pieces for the casual shopper and the serious collector.

Owner Dennis Gray is a Stars Wars and pop culture enthusiast who scours estate sales, flea markets, online stores and other spots to get new vintage items every day, including pieces from Masters of the Universe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters.

“We do the legwork, all people have to do is see what we’ve accumulated,” Gray said.

The Retro Spot is located inside Wind River Gallery.

“You won’t see this in your normal department store. People like that aspect,” Gray said.

Framing services remain, with staff trained in framing the collectibles it sells. Gray also hopes to establish an online store for The Retro Spot in the fall.

Wind River Gallery and The Retro Spot are located at 423 N. Main St.  Call (248) 684-6044 for more information. Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Magnificent Moments of Mom **GIVEAWAY**

Being a mom is one of the toughest jobs on the planet!  It’s almost like being a secret service agent for the President, but instead of protecting the President of the United States, you are protecting your offspring, some of the most precious little human beings in your life.

Until you have become a mom, you never understand what moms go through in a day, week or a lifetime.  You gain a new appreciation for your mom and realize how truly magnificent she really was or is.  You look back and remember those “Magnificent Mom Moments” and those are the moments that will remain in your memory and put a smile on your face.

I’m not an expert by any means when it comes to being a mom and all I can hope for is that I do my best for my girls.  I hope that I  love them enough, teach them enough and care for them and protect enough.  And, when I have one of those “I just kicked booty as a mom” moments, I hope that I’m not the only one that notices.

*This post was inspired by Ziploc, check out their ideas and recipes for quick and easy ways to get more out of the things you do for your family every day. They want to hear from YOU so visit them on Facebook and share your own magnificent moments with them.

How would you like to win a backpack full of really cool items for your child to go back to school with this 2010-2011 school year?  Below is a list of everything you will win in this back to school backpack giveaway:

• ClassWish.org $25 Credit
• DreamSakes 20 Free Artwork Scans
• Arizona Kidz drinks
• PopChips a variety pack of PopChips & variety of coupons.
• Leapfrog Tag Reader with book set and US map, OR a LeapFrog
  Explorer with 2 games! (Penguins of Madagascar and Toy Story 3)
• Stoneyfield Yo-Kids
• RoseArt glitter markers, dry erase board, and fun Color Blanks.
• Carolina Pad variety of notebooks, folders, and binders
• Orange Circle Studios a “Do it all” planner & a family calendar.
• BitDefender security software for your PC.
• E is for Ethics Book by Simon & Schuster
• Sun and Earth Cleaning Products Samples
• Dolphin Chips (Human body and Facts to Annoy Your Teacher)
• FamZoo  year long membership
• Fox Entertainments both Diary of a Wimpy Kid & Marmaduke DVDs
• Stoneyfield Farms coupons, awesome recycled plastic storage containers, & a few other surprises!
• Silver Dolphin added the “Human Body” book, and “Facts to Annoy your Teacher” books.

and more to come!  I will add as they arrive:)

Win it!

One lucky winner will win  all of the items listed above ($300 value).  The winner will be notified via email and will need to respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

This event is sponsored by Ziploc Brand and 20th Century Fox as well as other brands that have contributed to filling the backpack!  Enter to win a backpack filled with over $300 worth of back to school merchandise.  Please visit FillTheBackPack.com for more Information, The Dream Classroom Contest, Contest Rules, Our Sponsors and the list of Participating Brands!

Moon Dough Review

About a year ago I bought my daughter Moon Sand and although it didn’t ruin anything and could be vacuumed up, it was still messy and it silently disappeared.  I’m really not a fan of anything sticky, gooey or the least bit messy in my home, but I know how fun it is when you are a child and get to squish and squash things between your fingers, so I give in a little.

I was given the opportunity to try Moon Dough with my daughters and was slightly not excited at the prospect.  Dough is usually doughy and sticky and the thought of it getting stuck in my carpet frightens me!

I was pleasantly surprised by Moon Dough.  It was like marshmallow, soft and foam-like.   My girls enjoyed making barn animals and hay bales and I enjoyed the consistency of the product.  They put the Moon Dough into the barn silo, turned the crank making 3D Moon Dough animals… I breathed a sigh of relief.

You can choose from the Moon Dough Barn, Moon Dough Pizza Shop, Moon Dough Burger Shop or the Moon Dough Magical Molding Doghouse.  They range in price from $9.99 to $19.99 which makes a perfect birthday gift for children ages 2-4.  My oldest is 6 and she enjoyed playing with the Moon Dough as well.

Moon Dough is hypo-allergenic and wheat free.

For more information go to http://www.moondough.com

Disclosure:  I was sent the Moon Dough Farm for review.  All opinions are mine and my daughters and not influenced by anyone or anything.

Meet Chloe Bridges from Camp Rock 2 August 28

Radio Disney AM 910 Detroit is hosting a “Back 2 School Celebration” event on SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 from 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. at Westland Shopping Center.  The event will  include a special meet and greet session with CHLOE BRIDGES – the newest cast member of the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.”  Fifteen selected* local area winners (16 and under) will get the wonderful opportunity to meet Bridges with three of their friends.

At the event, the Radio Disney AM 910 Road Crew will provide LIVE on-stage entertainment filled with great music, fun games and prizes, including the chance to win four tickets and backstage passes to the Jonas Brothers Live In Concert on September 1 at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Auburn Hills!

In addition, visitors can enjoy activities throughout the mall including a Back 2 School Fashion Show, performances from Wayne Westland Community School groups and several FREE activity stations promoting the upcoming premiere of “Camp Rock 2:The Final Jam” on September 3 and the start of the new school year.

Westland Shopping Center

35000 West Warren

Westland, MI 48185

HUGE Back to School Giveaway!

Unfortunately there is a problem going on in schools across the nation.  Children and teachers don’t have the money to buy the supplies that they need to educate in their classrooms, so  ClassWish.org is here to help.

ClassWish.org unites teachers, parents and communities to provide the classroom resources children need to thrive.  Teachers create Wish Lists.  Visitors see exactly what’s needed and make tax-deductible contributions to help.  The result?  All of us are united in helping children meet their potential.  See how easy it is a http://ClassWish.org

How would you like to win a backpack full of really cool items for your child to go back to school with this 2010-2011 school year?  Below is a list of everything you will win in this back to school backpack giveaway:

• ClassWish.org $25 Credit
• DreamSakes 20 Free Artwork Scans
• Arizona Kidz drinks
• PopChips a variety pack of PopChips & variety of coupons.
• Leapfrog Tag Reader with book set and US map, OR a LeapFrog
  Explorer with 2 games! (Penguins of Madagascar and Toy Story 3)
• Stoneyfield Yo-Kids
• RoseArt glitter markers, dry erase board, and fun Color Blanks.
• Carolina Pad variety of notebooks, folders, and binders
• Orange Circle Studios a “Do it all” planner & a family calendar.
• BitDefender security software for your PC.
• E is for Ethics Book by Simon & Schuster
• Sun and Earth Cleaning Products Samples
• Dolphin Chips (Human body and Facts to Annoy Your Teacher)
• FamZoo  year long membership
• Fox Entertainments both Diary of a Wimpy Kid & Marmaduke DVDs
• Stoneyfield Farms coupons, awesome recycled plastic storage containers, & a few other surprises!
• Silver Dolphin added the “Human Body” book, and “Facts to Annoy your Teacher” books.

and more to come!  I will add as they arrive:)

Win it!

One lucky winner will win  all of the items listed above ($300 value).  The winner will be notified via email and will need to respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Troy Family Aquatic Center

The Troy Family Outdoor Aquatic Center opened for its 19th season Memorial Day weekend and will remain open through Labor Day. The Aquatic Center includes slide and spray areas, sand volleyball, sand play area, and concession stand. The Troy Community Center also has an aquatic area that is open year round for residents, and non-residents.

Swim Lessons at the Aquatic Center

Sign up for the last session of summer swim lessons at the Troy Family Aquatic Center.  Session 7 takes place from August 23 – Sept 2 with classes Monday – Thursday.  Times and class information are on page 30 of the Summer Troy Today publication.

Swim Lessons in the Fall

Swim Lessons for all ages are available at the Troy Community Center throughout the year.  Check the Fall Troy Today for dates and times.  Classes begin the second weekend in September.  Resident registration begins August 24 and non-resident begins on August 31.

Dogs Swim Only Day- Saturday, September 11

It is the dogs turn to have fun in the pool.  Don’t worry as we are draining the pool for the season after the dogs have their fair share of the fun.  Swims are separated by weight and the swim is for 45 minutes.  Dogs must be 6 months old with a current dog license to participate. A commemorative tee shirt will be provided to registered participants.  Pre-registration is required.  Click here for fees and more information regarding this event.  Special thanks to Longview Boarding & Grooming, Ltd. and Camp Bow Wow for sponsoring this event!

Use the Troy Family Aquatic Center Pool For FREE During Shutdown Week

Community Center members can use the Troy Family Aquatic Center for free during the shutdown week August 30 – September 6.  Bring your keyfob and enjoy some outdoor fun or use our lap lanes for your usual workout while the Community Center is closed for maintenance.

Troy Parks and Recreation
3179 Livernois, Troy, MI 48083, 248-524-3484

Berkley Cruise Fest

The fun begins at noon on August 20, 2010!  Lots of activities for the whole family.

Activities include:

• sidewalk sales
• acoustical music tent
• climbing tower
• street dance

Annual Classic Car Parade starts at 6:30 pm featuring Grand Marshal George Barris the “King of Kustomizers.”

More information at www.berkleycruisefest.com

YO GABBA GABBA! Launches Cool Tricks Contest

YO GABBA GABBA! announces the launch of the Cool Tricks contest which provides an opportunity for fans across North America to show-off their unique talents.  Gabba fans are invited to upload a :30-:60 second video demonstrating their Cool Trick to win the opportunity to receive a VIP Family 4 Pack and have their winning video played during intermission at the KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! show closest to their hometown. All participants are also automatically entered into a sweepstakes where one lucky fan will receive a five night trip for four to the Caribbean or Mexico.

In addition, each winner will also receive $100 worth of organic baby food, toddler, and lunchbox snacks and two “Party In My Lunchbox” Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! concert t-shirts from Revolution Foods and Plum Organics. Grand prize includes roundtrip air, Junior Suite accommodations, and all meals to a choice of Palladium Hotels & Resorts.

To enter the contest, participants must upload their video to Facebook at http://facebook.yogabbagabbalive.com.  Winners are determined by public vote in each tour market. So be sure to get all your friends and family to vote for you!

Cool Tricks begins on Wednesday, August 18 at 10AM EST and winners will be notified and announced prior to the show date in each local market.  The entry period for the grand prize sweepstakes will end on Sunday, Dec 12.  See official rules at http://facebook.yogabbagabbalive.com.

Cool Tricks is a popular segment on the television series where children and adults show off their special talent or skill (gymnastics, cup stacking, breakdance move, etc.).  Celebrities such as Tony Hawk performing a skateboard move and Rhys Darby doing the robot have appeared on Cool Tricks.

Heading back on the road, KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! will make stops in 60 cities at top theaters, arenas and amphitheaters across North America starting on August 27 in Bethel, NY and ending in Dallas, TX on December 12.  Featuring music, singing, dancing and animation, KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life.  Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day.”  Special guests will join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.

For complete tour, ticket, and VIP package information, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Detroit, MI

Fox Theatre

Sept 28, 2010

Perfect for a Road Trip: Friendship Bracelet Maker

I got the perfect item for a road trip to review, My Friendship Bracelet Maker and actually I think I was more keen on the item than my 6 year old.  It is a friendship bracelet maker kit and I seriously spent about two hours of my Sunday making friendship bracelets for my three daughters.

The kit comes with:

• 56 precut threads to 60″ length in 14 different colors
• Storage to keep the strings organized
• a butterfly clip that secures the string while you are knotting the string to make the bracelet
• easy to follow instructions

Memories started flooding my head while making bracelets for my girls.  I remembered making bracelets with my friends as a tween.  We didn’t have the cool friendship bracelet maker I got to review.  We tied our string to a stationary object like a doorknob and winged it.  This product is so much cooler and would make the best gift for a birthday, a great item to have while traveling, perfect for a sick kid to work on while stuck in the bed and great to pass the time during summer break.

This is actually one of the coolest craft makers I’ve seen in a long time and I will purchasing these for gifts for sure!

To find a retailer near you that sells the My Friendship Bracelet Maker, go (here).

Disclosure:  I was sent the My Friendship Bracelet Maker for review.  All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone or anything.

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