Join Me At The #LittleChefs Twitter Party on December 6th... Chance to Win Fun Prizes!

ace and friends was recently featured as part of  an eBook sponsored by Chef Boyardee. 

Little Chef's eBook has been created with the hard work of other mom bloggers just like me. I was honored to have been asked to be a part of this collaborative project. You can view my portion of the book which is part of Chapter 3 - *Everyday Fun* which begins on page 17.

Join us for a Twitter Party on December 6th!

What: Join us for a Twitter Party to celebrate special holiday moments with family in the kitchen, inspired by The Little Chefs Project, the first-ever crowd sourced e-book on cooking with little chefs! In partnership with Chef Boyardee, The Motherhood and 40 fantastic mom bloggers (including me, yay!) have written a virtual book that will truly make you feel like a kid again. From creating family time in the kitchen to bonding over everyday and holiday fun, we have tips and recipes for creating kitchen magic with your family. 

When: Thursday, December 6, 2-3 p.m. ET

Where: We’ll be on Twitter – follow the #LittleChefs hashtag to track the conversation.  You can see the details and RSVP via this Twtvite: http://twtvite.com/littlechefs

Hashtag: #LittleChefs

Prizes: Chef Boyardee will give away five total prizes, each consisting of a Chef Boyardee Pizza Kit, coupons, a Chef hat, apron and cookie cutters.  Winners will be chosen randomly from among participants who respond correctly to trivia questions.

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann

Creating Your Own Personalized Chef Boyardee e-card

You can click here to get to the Facebook app that will take you through the creation of a fun animated e-card - your chance to get in the kitchen with Chef Hector Boiardi himself! http://on.fb.me/R02YjV

Just follow the instructions to create the card and watch what unfolds in the kitchen. After you see the animation, you'll have the option to share it via Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Check out ace and friends' personalized Chef Boyardee e-card....

Most importantly, HAVE FUN and

looking forward to tweeting with you on December 6th!!!

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: This post was part of a compensated Chef Boyardee program through The Motherhood. 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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*AT&T Mobile Safety School Tips* For Parents

Most days, I absolutely LOVE and appreciate technology. But with the advancements of technology also comes some concerns where my children become more and more involved with these electronics. Sadly, the kids today face several issues especially when it comes to mobile phone usage such as bullying, privacy, over-usage, texting while driving and more.

AT&T has created a program called AT&T Mobile Safety School to provide education, resources and tools to help families better manage mobile safety and are committed to being a leader in this cause. 

Recently, AT&T conducted a study of 1,000 parents and 500 kids – ages 8-17 – on a variety of topics that relate to mobile phones, devices and other issues. The results of this study provided some powerful information.

Have you ever wondered what the appropriate age is to give a child a mobile phone (I know I have)? While there isn't an age that is set in stone... or what people may deem as the *right* age, based on this study, the average age of children getting their first mobile phone is 12.1.

Wondered what the average age is by age group?

• Age 8-11 – average age 9.5 yrs
• Age 12-14 – average age 11.3 yrs
• Age 15-17 – average age 13.3 yrs

Parent Concerns

• 89% are worried about texting and driving
• 67% are concerned about bullying text messages
• 69% are concerned about sexually suggestive messages
• 77% are worried about their kids receiving calls from unknown numbers.

So, what are kids actually experiencing and are the above mentioned Parent Concerns warranted. Sadly, yes.

• 53% of kids have been in a motor vehicle with someone who was texting and driving
• Over 1 in 5 have received a mean or bullying text message from another kid on their mobile phone
• Almost half (46%) have a friend who has received a message or picture that their parents would not have liked because it was too sexual
• 69% have answered a call from an unknown number

Do Parents Set Cell Phone Usage Rules For Their Kids?

AT&T found that just over half (66%) of kids said that they actually have rules in place for their phone usage, however 90% would be comfortable with rules IF they were set by parents. 

Interestingly, 93% of kids have rules on their phones at school. No rules at home, this might be the perfect opportunity to transition to implement some of these rules right into your home. 

What kind of rules do you have or thinking of implementing in your home?

While each child is unique, there are safety topics and themes that resonate within specific age groups:

Are families discussing mobile safety?

• 2 out of 5 kids with a mobile phone say their parents have not talked to them about staying safe and secure when using the mobile phone
• Kids are more likely to have discussed every other safety issue with their parents – protecting yourself from strangers, alcohol and drugs, sex education

Get The Conversation Started!

• AT&T found that these real families helped uncover some interesting issues. This study helped us understand that we can’t just sit back and see what happens. Families need to be provided tools and tips to address the growing list of wireless safety issues.
• AT&T is a partner, not just a provider.
• AT&T's goal is to empower parents to start the conversation about mobile safety, and move away from focusing on restricting their children’s connectivity. 

Interested in learning more? AT&T has put together a variety of resources to help parents. From learning what other families are doing through videos, or downloadable tip sheets, the website at http://www.att.com/familysafety to access this valuable information.

Join the TWITTER party!

AT&T will be hosting a Twitter party on Friday, Nov. 9, at 2pm ET.

Join HERE: http://twtvite.com/attmobilesafety

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: This post was part of a compensated AT&T Mobile Safety program through The Motherhood. 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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Marie Callender’s Pot Pies: Better Than Homemade, really?

One of my all time favorite comfort foods is a good old fashioned homemade pot pie. I've tried to make them as delicious as my mom would make them, but I can't seem to get it just right. What could I do to get that same, if not better, great taste?

Fortunately, I came across an online article, not too long ago, titled “8 Grocery Store Products that are Better than Homemade (really)”, stated that Marie Callender’s pot pies are better than homemade.  Since I hadn't tried these pot pies before, I was more than curious to give it a taste test. A frozen pot pie, really... could it taste just as good as my mom's? Thankfully, I was given an opportunity through The Motherhood to give them the taste test I needed.

Interestingly, the Marie Callender pot pies can be heated in either the oven or the microwave. I chose the oven, because, well, that's how mom use to make her homemade pot pies and I wanted to give it a fair shake.

These pot pies were absolutely delicious. The crust was amazing, the vegetables were surprisingly crunchy and tasted quite fresh. It was more than generous in size and easily sharable with my kiddies. Overall, I would have to admit, this pot pie was much easier to make than homemade and comparably better! But shhhhh, don't tell my mom!

Disclosure: I’ve been compensated by Marie Callender’s and The Motherhood for this campaign. 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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