Back in January, Kellogg’s began the Earn Your Stripes (EYS) field renovation program that aimed to renovate neighborhood sports fields across the U.S. Since that time thousands of fields were nominated, some with as many as 700,000 supporters! Those fields have now been narrowed down to 100 finalists and your vote will help determine the winning fields.

The semifinalist fields were chosen based on the feasibility of the field makeover, the location and age of the field, how often it gets used, how many events take place, what teams use it, the number of other athletic fields in the community, the demand, condition, and the impact a field renovation would have on the community.

From now through May 31st, you can vote once a day for your favorite semifinalist field at www.frostedflakes.com. In fact, there is a field very close to us that could use your vote – The Hiram Johnson Football Field in Sacramento, CA – OR you could find one that may be close to you! These renovations will help to build community and provide better places for kids to stay active and play.

Are you a grazer, like me? Do I have a snack for you!

Special K Crackers are designed as a crunchy, savory afternoon alternative to high calorie or high sugar snacks. Special K Crackers come in two great-tasting flavors and have only 90 calories and eight grams of whole grain per serving. They are also available in individual 90-calorie pouches for when you’re on the go – the busy mom that you are!

I really like the Italian Tomato & Herb – perfect to eat all by themselves. The Multi-Grain crackers are great together with your favorite cheese or spread.

Satisfy your urge to snack!

.

Believe me when I say that I am the most disorganized mother of six you may ever meet. I’m sure many of you started the year like I did, hoping to get and stay somewhat organized. Seems like this is a never-ending battle for me, that I may never win.

Now, don’t mistake my disorganization for a lack of structure… It isn’t total chaos around here, but keeping tabs on phone calls, emails, appointments, and activities is a weak spot in my life as a busy work-at-home mom.

Mom Central recently introduced me to Cozi and I am hoping it will help. With Cozi, I can create and update schedules and shopping lists, and even have them sent to my mobile or access them with my smartphone. Cozi even syncs with Outlook, so Ray can add after-work meetings or date nights to our family calendar, so we don’t double book.

So, I’m taking Cozi for a test drive… I am hoping that it will help simplify and organize my family life, at least behind the scenes.

How do you stay organized?

Cozi wants to help families keep their resolutions to get and stay organized in the New Year. Sign up and try Cozi before February 4th, and you will be entered to win a two-day home organization makeover with professional organizer, and incoming NAPO President (National Association of Professional Organizers), Laura Leist. In Laura’s two-day visit, she will makeover either the kitchen or home office in one lucky winners’ home; a service with a retail value of $5,000.

Do you have a smartphone?

How I would love to have a phone that would do it all. From what I hear the Samsung Omnia is one such phone… It conveniently combines the features of a smartphone and a digital camera into one slim, compact device. I can only imagine the convenience of no longer juggling multiple digital devices to capture memories.

At only $199, the Omnia makes it easier than ever to stay connected and organized while on the go. It allows us to access computer functionality anywhere and make the most out of a few minutes of downtime (ha! what’s that?).

Because Windows Mobile smartphones run on the same Windows system as PC computers, your computer and phone applications synch together easily. Did you know that more than 77% of people who take pictures with their phones never download them onto their computers? Are you guilty? Now think of all those memories trapped on your phone… With Windows Mobile, you have the ability to easily e-mail photos from your phone to your PC.

I have been looking at the Samsung Omnia, but that is just one example of the many new phones out this holiday season. You can check them all out at www.windowsmobile.com.

What is your favorite smartphone?

I have been pretty good about not saving everything ’til the last minute… I have just about all of my shopping done, and my house is just about ready for my in-laws visit. I do still have to wrap gifts and bake some pies, but that’s the fun part of Christmas prep, right?

If you are any thing like the typical me, you like to put things off until the last minute. Well, you only have 3 full days left before Christmas, and now is the time to head out and grab those last minute gifts for the kiddos. To ease the stress of shopping, here are just a few quick ideas…

Did you know that Build-A-Bear has an e-gift card? You can customize your card just for your recipient in five easy steps, and it’s super easy to send your favorite kiddos just enough to purchase their very own Hal & Holly Moose, Lil’ Honey Cub or a High School Musical Bear.

My kiddos received Hal & Holly and were just thrilled! They will certainly be a fun way to be reminded of the Christmas season all through the year, as I’m afraid there is no way I’m going to be able to pack these babies away with the rest of our Christmas decorations, come next week. But, that’s okay – they are super cute!

Gift cards of any kind make the perfect gift when in a pinch. I know there is a whole lot of controversy around giving gift cards, with the way our economy is going, but if you purchase Visa gift cards, or even gift cards from Walmart, you can save yourself a big headache. Besides, wouldn’t you rather recieve a gift card then an item you’ll just tuck in the closet?

At Safeway (and its family of grocery stores – Vons, Dominick’s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Pavilions, Carrs and Genuardi’s) they are helping Moms avoid stress and save time and money, by allowing us to earn double PowerPump Gas Rewards for every $100 in gift cards purchased with our Club Card at Safeway stores. You can pick up gift cards from over 300 retailers, restaurants, sports and entertainment companies (including Best Buy, The Home Depot, Macy’s, iTunes, plus many more!).

To find a participating store near you, go to www.Safeway.com/PowerPump and enter your zip code. Not only can you buy gift cards as presents this season, but they can also be great for personal use to receive the extra benefit of double gas rewards at the pump. The offer of double PowerPump gas rewards on gift cards will only be available through the holidays, so purchase those cards and save!

How about a little gift for yourself come the new year? I have two $25 Build-A-Bear gift cards and a Walmart $100 gift card to give to some of my friends! That’s right…. Stay tuned to find out how you can win!

While I don’t agree that plopping the babies down in front of the TV is always the best thing to do, sometimes we moms need a break from our daily tasks, especially if we work at home. With Baby Einstein, I can relax and unwind with my babies, to the soothing sights and sounds of our favorite DVDs. Watching the Baby Mozart DVD, or listening to the Lullaby Classics CD, are great ways to squeeze in some extra snuggle time, in the middle of a hectic day or at the end of a long one.

For over 10 years, Baby Einstein has been bringing us award-winning interactive products, that are perfect for creating an enjoyable atmosphere of learning for our little ones.

Celebrate 10 years of discovery with Baby Einstein and their fabulous products!