Summer With The Kids Guide: SodaStream System {Review & Giveaway}

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Summertime = increased beverage consumption! Increased beverage consumption = MORE money spent on drinks. With the SodaStream we were quick to find out that it doesn't have to be that way. The kids and I had a great time creating lots of tasty fizzy summertime drinks. 

{model: Genesis Starter Kit - MSRP $119.95}

About little more about SodaStream
(source: sodastreamusa.com)

SodaStream is the world's largest manufacturer, distributor and marketer of Home Carbonation Systems. Their brands are sold in over 50,000 retail stores in 42 countries including home & electrical appliance stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, DIY, specialty and "green" stores, water specialists & dealers, as well as online and in catalogs.

SodaStream's long standing and deep heritage dates back to 1903, when they introduced innovative solutions to the beverage market. They continue to grow as market leaders in both technological advancements and the quality of our products.

The SodaStream system enables consumers to carbonate water and to flavor carbonated beverages at home as an alternative to purchasing pre-packed bottles or cans. This has many important benefits to the consumer including cost savings and no hassle with bottles.

Additional Benefits

• Convenience: No need to carry heavy bottles from the store. The SodaStream system is simple to use and requires no batteries or electricity.
• Environmentally-Friendly: SodaStream is an "Active Green" solution that minimizes the huge eco-footprint caused by the manufacture, transport and waste of plastic bottles.
• Variety: SodaStream offers over 100 flavors to suit everyone’s taste. Regular, diet, natural, fruity flavors, ice tea, energy drinks, sport drinks, tonic and many more.
• Space Saver: No need to store bottles of beverages or empty bottles for recycling in your home.
• Personalization: Make drinks just the way you love them… more bubbles, less bubbles, sweeter or lighter, even create your own flavor!
• Family Fun: The system is quick and easy to use. It's fun for everyone and kids just love it!
• Value for Money: Great savings compared to pre-packed carbonated water and beverages.
• Satisfaction Guaranteed: SodaStream drinks makers are of extremely high quality and include a money-back satisfaction guarantee.

{add cold water, attach bottle.}

 {press button to add fizz.}

{carbonation success.}

{add your favorite flavor.}

{give it a light shake.}

{enjoy. yum.}

ace and friends thoughts

 The SodaStream was super simple and easy to use. You have LOTS of different and delicious flavors to choose from when creating your carbonation masterpiece. You can make your drink just how YOU want it! I personally liked that it was better for the environment... reusable bottle = smiles. The kids had a FUN time making flavor selections, pressing the carbonation button, watching the bubbles form and especially drinking their SodaStream beverage. We actually made three different flavors in a matter of minutes. Who doesn't LOVE cranberry-raspberry? The flavor that I really liked was ENERGY... just like a drink with a bull on it.... and so MUCH cheaper. Again, smiles. What I truly liked was that the flavoring did not contain high fructose corn syrup or aspartame. Plus... and plus again! Check out this amazing nutrition comparison: (source: sodastreamusa.com)

Classic Flavors	Calories	Carbs	Sugar	Sodium	Caffeine
Pepsi ®	100	27g	27g	25mg	25mg
Coca-Cola ®	100	27g	27g	35mg	23mg
SodaStream Cola	34	9g	9g	2mg	15mg
7-UP ®	100	26g	26g	50mg	0mg
Sprite ®	100	26g	26g	45mg	0mg
SodaStream Lemon Lime	36	9g	9g	25mg	0mg
Sunkist ®	130	35g	35g	30mg	27mg
Fanta ®	110	30g	30g	35mg	0mg
SodaStream Orange	36	8g	8g	25mg	0mg
Dr. Pepper ®	100	27g	27g	35mg	27mg
SodaStream Dr. Pete	37	9g	9g	2mg	22mg
Mountain Dew ®	110	31g	31g	50mg	37mg
SodaStream Fountain Mist	35	8g	9g	46mg	36mg
Barq's ® Root Beer	110	30g	30g	50mg	15mg
A&W ® Root Beer	120	31g	31g	30mg	0mg
SodaStream Root Beer	37	9g	9g	2mg	0mg
Canada Dry ® Ginger Ale	90	25g	24g	35mg	0mg
SodaStream Ginger Ale	35	8g	8g	20mg	0mg
Schweppes® Tonic Water	90	23g	22g	35mg	0mg
SodaStream Tonic	35	8g	8g	53mg	0mg
Schweppes® Club Soda	0	0g	0g	65mg	0mg
SodaStream Seltzer	0	0g	0g	0mg	0mg

Final thoughts:

• SodaStream is extremely easy to use. Easy to assemble, carbonate and create.

• Taste was much better than expected. The soda was very refreshing (and fresh... if that makes sense). The diet flavors didn't even taste diet (ish)... i know, not a word, but you get the point. No after taste that you usually get with diet drinks.

• One liter bottles were the perfect size for all five of us to share without the hassle of going flat too soon. We can create new flavors on a regular basis.

• Less calories than regular carbonated sodas.

• When comparing price, the syrup averages $7 per bottle and makes approx. 12 liters. Makes it about $.58 per bottle which is cheaper than a two liter. 

We are currently loving our SodaStream Genesis and look forward to creating many delicious beverages ALL summer long.  Ahhhhhhh......... summertime!

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Buy It 

Get your own SodaStream on their site HERE

or locate a retailer near you, HERE. 

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Win It 

Thanks to SodaStream, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a Fountain Jet Soda Lover’s Start-up Kit (approx. $100 retail value) including the Fountain Jet (winner's choice of color), CO2 makes over 60 liters of soda, 1 reusable carbonating bottle, a sample pack of flavors, and 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice. 

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Great Deal! Save $50 off Overnight Stays OR $12 off Day Passes at Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park!

Are you trying to keep it interesting this summer... make sure to check out this Great Deal from US Family Guide!


Save $50 off Overnight Stays OR $12 off Day Passes at Fort Rapids Indoor Water Park in Columbus, Ohio!

Ford Rapids is central Ohio's largest indoor water park resort. It is the perfect family fun travel destination where 60,000 square feet of wet and wild fun is waiting for the whole family. Come relax and unwind in one of their guest rooms or family style villa suites, then zip down 12 unique water rides, float in the lazy river, get drenched by the 1,000 gallon tipping bucket and win big at the 5,000 square foot Gold Rush Arcade.


Now, who doesn't LOVE  a GREAT water slide! Make sure to check it out... I know we will!


[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.] Pin It

Playdate Viewing Party - *An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars*

Did you and your favorite little gymnast get a chance to watch An American Girl - McKenna Shoots for the Stars from Universal Home Entertainment yesterday on NBC.

In celebration, we decided to have a little playdate fun that involved lots of friends, viewing the McKenna - Shoot For The Stars movie and outdoor fun!

First let me tell you a little more about the movie!

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars Debuts on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download

AVAILABLE NOW!

Summary:  A talented young gymnast turns trials into triumphs in the inspiring new feature-length movie, An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars™, coming to Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital Download on July 3, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.  Inspired by the beloved American Girl® line of dolls and featuring the celebrated 2012 Girl of the Year®, the film stars Oscar® nominee Nia Vardalos (My Life In Ruins, My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Jade Pettyjohn (“The United States of Tara”) as McKenna™, Ian Ziering (“Beverly Hills 90210”), Kerris Dorsey (Moneyball, “Brothers & Sisters”) and former Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby (Broadway’s “Peter Pan”).  

A modern and heartwarming original story about a young girl whose dream to compete as a world class gymnast is jeopardized when she begins to have trouble in school, An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars™ helps girls learn to believe not only in their family and friends but also themselves.

Get a sneak peak of movie below:

A little more about best friends, McKenna Brooks and Toulane Thomas:

MCKENNA BROOKS

McKenna is an energetic, determined girl who lives for gymnastics—at least she thinks she does, until an injury and a wise tutor help her see that there are other things that she cares about, too. She’s goal-driven and wants to make her family proud, which is why she’s so embarrassed when her grades start to slip. At the gym, McKenna is super competitive, but she puts that competitiveness aside to support her teammates. She makes mistakes sometimes, but she always strives to be a good student, gymnast, and friend.

TOULANE THOMAS

Toulane Thomas has been McKenna’s gymnastics teammate since the girls were three years old. A strong, competitive gymnast, Toulane pushes McKenna to stay on her game and do her best. Toulane is sometimes too competitive, though, and puts a lot of pressure on herself to succeed and to live up to her mother’s expectations. Like McKenna, Toulane needs to learn about life “balance” and remember how to just have fun.

ace and friends playdate fun!

First the kids were introduced to the McKenna swag. They enjoyed filling out their activity sheets together as a TEAM.

The girls loved the specially designed American Girl bracelets. They said they felt like American Girl superheroes with their matching bracelets.

Next we (well, most of the viewing crew... anyway.... the little ones were hard to corral) sat down to our exclusive viewing party to enjoy An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars.

The kids absolutely LOVED this movie (as did the adults). What I really appreciate about all American Girl movies is that they always include positive messages regarding family and friends. This particular movie stressed the importance of asking for help when you need it and to know that you're not alone. The movie is adorable and includes many important inspiring lessons for young girls. Overall, it was a well-made movie with lots of positive messages for kids (girls AND boys too!). It is a wonderful family friendly film that any American Girl or gymnastic fan will completely adore. 

Finally, all the kids celebrated with a tasty treat to conclude our fun-filled movie viewing playdate!

Don't forget to look for

*An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars*

is Available - NOW!

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]

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Are You Ready For Some Football... NCAA Football 13, That Is...{& Giveaway} #CBias #NCAAfootball13

Game Night. It's on. NCAA Football 13 was released this week... and guess what... we now have it (courtesy of my trip to Walmart yesterday) and the battle has NOW begun...

My husband has been playing NCAA Football for years and now has {c} hooked on the game too. In comparison to the previous releases, the graphics and sounds from the game continue to impress. NCAA Football 13 has several exciting new features (see below), but my husband especially likes the new Heisman Challenge mode that allows the chance to play specifically as a past Heisman trophy winner. It's entertaining to say the least, with the ability to view past key interviews from the Heisman winners. 

So, What Else is New and Exciting in NCAA 13?

Heisman Challenge—Win it for your school as you play as one of 10 former Heisman Trophy winners under center, in the backfield, or split wide, see if you can utilize his legendary skills for your favorite college team in a quest to match his award-winning historical performances and win the Heisman Trophy once again.   Choose from the following former Heisman greats:

·         Robert Griffin III                                                   
·         Doug Flutie
·         Herschel Walker
·         Marcus Allen
·         Charlie Ward
·         Barry Sanders
·         Desmond Howard
·         Eddie George
·         Carson Palmer
·         Andre Ware

An All-New Passing Game—A revolutionary passing system brings added authenticity to the Quarterback position from ball trajectory to play action pass to the option. Enhanced receiver control puts you in position to make a play on the ball and new read and react defensive coverage delivers greater realism on the gridiron.

Reaction Time—Great players see and feel the game differently. With Reaction Time, the game slows down during key moments, increasing your on-field awareness and opening up more opportunities as you sense things before they happen.

Dynamic Dynasty—Recruiting goes deeper than ever with the addition of dynamic recruiting pitches. For the first time ever, your recruiting grades can change each week based on your performance in Dynasty mode. In addition, Gameday Saturdays come to life with live studio updates and enhanced commentary by Rece Davis.

To compliment all the new features, NCAA fans can personalize their own NCAA 13 game cover with You’re Covered program. 

This unique Facebook app allows you to upload you photo online and print a custom game cover featuring a personalized face on the body of an NCAA Football 13 player. Cool, isn't it? Check out our very own game cover...

If you purchase your EA Sports NCAA Football 13 game from Walmart (as I did), you can print out the *You're Covered* Photo for FREE! 

All you need to do is visit: www.easports.com/yourecovered OR www.facebook.com/easportsncaafootball to customize and create your very own cover. Pictures are easily adjustable including size, rotation, skin tone and brightness. Once created, it's super easy to share it on your Facebook timeline for all your friends and family to see and enjoy. 

To check out our fun shopping trip, make sure to check out my Google + Story to see LOTS more pictures!

Need Even More? Make sure to check out NCAA Football on Facebook and NCAA football on Twitter.

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Enter To Win!

Winner's Choice of:

$50 Walmart gift card OR an upcoming EA Sports game of either Madden 13, FIFA 13, Medal of Honor, or NHL13!

PLEASE carefully follow the direction below for a valid entry.

{1} Like EA Sports NCAA Football 13 on Facebook.

{2} Customize a cover at www.easports.com/yourecovered and enter the giveaway by submitting a photo of any of the following: {1} yourself or your child holding your personalized copy of NCAA Football 13 OR {2} a photo of the printout of your customized NCAA Football 13 cover OR {3} a screenshot of you sharing your customized NCAA Football 13 cover on your Facebook wall.

{3} Then, upload your personal customized cover photo to any public photo sharing site or accessible blog link and submit it to the inlinkz linky found at the bottom of this post.  

*************Giveaway ends Tuesday, July 31st at 11:59 pm EST. *************

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND NECESSARY, A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. NCAA Football 2013 You’re Covered Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) starts on July 10, 2012 at 12:00:00 A.M. EST and ends July 31, 2012 at 11:59:59 P.M. EST. Click on Official Rules for details on entry instructions, odds of winning, prize details, restrictions, etc. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C. and 18 years or older as of time of entry. Residents of P.R. are ineligible. Void in P.R. and where prohibited. Sponsor: Electronic Arts, Inc., 209 Redwood Shores Pkwy., Redwood City, CA 94065.

Full Legal Rules can be found HERE.

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Disclosure – I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Electronic Arts, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. #CBias #SocialFabric #NCAAfootball13

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Our Family Game Night Includes Fun, Competition and NCAA! #CBias

As long as I can remember, we try and get a good family game night in once a week. The kids like choosing the game, whether it being a board game and/or video game... it always fun, entertaining and certainly competitive.  I'm not well versed in video games, so I've learned quite a lot, not only from my hubby, but from my kids too. It's amazing how well they can play those video games, including sports like football.

Recently my son was just asking when the new football season begins... because him and my husband our permanently glued to the television every Saturday, beginning at the end of August until the end of football season, cheering (and sometimes yelling) for their Michigan State Spartans and Michigan Wolverines. Can you see where this is headed? 

With the quick approach of the upcoming college football season and also prepping for the release of NCAA 13 (July 10th), my husband and son have been gearing up and playing their favorite college football video game, NCAA Football 12, from EA Sports. Although, I myself, am not a huge football fan, I certainly enjoy the family time competitiveness of the family video game night.

The graphics and sounds from the game are amazing. I can't believe how real everything appears on the HD television. The kids really LOVE hearing their favorite college fight song played after a player scores a touchdown. Nothing like seeing Sparty run around the field (that's my favorite part!).

My husband and son like creating their teams based on stats, etc... my daughter and I like creating our team the actual players themselves by height, weight... seriously, how cool is that!


NCAA 13 has some new and exciting features:

• Gameplay - With a new passing system that changes the way quarterbacks and receivers play and respond, combined with a new read and react defensive AI system, NCAA Football 13 delivers greater realism on the virtual gridiron.
• Dynasty - Game days come to life with mid-game updates featuring a new studio analyst, plus enhanced commentary from NCAA Football veterans Kirk Herbstreit and Brad Nessler. Recruiting now goes deeper than ever with the addition of dynamic grades and the ability to scout players. Plus, there are even more ways to interact with your Dynasty from the web.
• Heisman Challenge - There are familiar faces on the field in NCAA Football 13, which now features a selection of former Heisman Trophy winners. With the new Heisman Challenge mode, fans have the ability to utilize the skill set of a legendary Heisman Trophy winner in a quest to match his award-winning historical performances and win the Heisman trophy once again.
• Road to Glory - The experience of being a college football superstar is now even more exciting with a new feature in Road to Glory that allows players to see and feel the game differently during key moments, increasing on-field awareness and creating amazing opportunities.
• Sights & Sounds - Revel in the pageantry of college football game days with NCAA Football 13. Featuring new team run-outs, mascots and pre-game traditions along with significantly enhanced audio and new trophy presentations, NCAA Football 13 will deliver the passion and excitement of college football to fans across the nation.

To compliment all the new features, NCAA fans will be able to personalize their own NCAA 13 game cover with You’re Covered program. This unique Facebook app allows you to upload you photo online and print a custom game cover featuring a personalized face on the body of an NCAA Football 13 player. Isn't that super cool?

While my husband and son continue to battle it out and improve their skills to utilize in NCAA 13, I will be planning for an upcoming family {tailgate} game night. Next month (with the new release), I will share the fun we had during our little game night battle and with that... a GIVEAWAY too! Make sure to check back often for that!

Need More? Make sure to check out NCAA Football on Facebook and NCAA football on Twitter.


Disclosure – I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Electronic Arts, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. #CBias #SocialFabric #NCAAfootball13



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