Bonggamom Finds

Discovery Girls Guide to Growing Up: review and giveaway

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Growing up is tough. I've been through it once, and that was enough! Getting through 11, 12, and 13 is not an experience that I'm in any hurry to repeat. The Pea is halfway through puberty (she'll be 13 in a couple of months), and even though she knows her dad and I are always there to talk with her about it (and we do!), I know there are lot of things she'll want to share only with her friends, or things she wants to work through on her own. Even if she's not coming to me for answers, I want to make sure she gets all the right information -- so I'm really glad that the editors of Discovery Girls Magazine have published a new guide to help girls through puberty: The Discovery Girls Guide to Growing Up.

About the book
Discovery Girls Guide to Growing Up gives girls reliable facts and helpful tips about what’s going on inside their bodies and what to expect next, all written in a fun and easy-to-understand way. Most puberty books just cover the physical changes, but this one also teaches girls how to handle their emotions, have strong self-esteem, and love their bodies so they’ll be confident, empowered, and ready for all the challenges of puberty. Filled with real stories, interesting statistics, and fun illustrations, Discovery Girls Guide to Growing Up is the perfect gift for every tween girl.

Here's an image of the table of contents of the Discovery Girls Guide to Growing up. The book covers pretty much everything that girls will experience during puberty, from physical changes to mental and emotional changes.

The book is written in a style very similar to the Discovery Girls magazine: photos of real girls, cute illustrations, easy-to-read articles, fun quizzes, Q&A sections, with useful tips and interesting facts scattered throughout.

Here's a sample of useful tips found in the book. Even I can learn from this book!
How to Measure Your Bra Size
How to Use a Tampon
Best Ways to Relieve Cramps
The Do's and Don'ts of Skin Care

One of the most unique things about this book (and one of my favorite things about it) is the real-life perspective given by real girls. Discovery Girls magazine has been talking to tween and teen girls for years, and for this book, they have gathered a group of girls to act as a junior editorial board. The girls helped keep the content readable and relevant -- if those girls liked the book, there's a good chance that your tween will like it too! The book contains lots of quotes from those girls, dishing out about topics such as:

What they love about their bodies
Body Hair
Growing Up
Getting My First Bra
Getting My First Period
Tampons vs. Pads
Feeling Emotional
Dealing with Acne

Being able to read other girls' experiences is great, because it helps girls feel like they're not alone! Getting through puberty is difficult enough!

Win a copy of Discovery Girls Guide to Growing Up
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a copy of the Discovery Girls Guide to Growing Up.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share a challenging issue you faced when growing up.

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The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on Feb 6, 2014; I will draw a winner at random on Feb 7and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.

Disclosure: Thank you to Discovery Girls for providing a copy for review and another copy to give away. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Join the Movement and take the Each Mind Matters pledge

Monday, January 20, 2014

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for the California Mental Health Services Authority. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Did you know that one in four American adults suffers from a diagnosable mental health illness in a given year? That's right, mental illness isn't something that only happens to "other people". The odds are that you know someone who is experiencing mental health challenges -- but due to the stigma surrounding mental illness, that person probably doesn't tell anyone. Even worse, that person may not be seeking help for their condition!

Even in this day and age, people who suffer from mental illness are considered "weak" or "soft". People look at them funny, expecting them to do weird or crazy things. Kids make fun of them, growunups avoid them. I remember spending summer vacations in my dad's hometown and spying on the neighborhood "crazies". Looking back, I'm sure two poor women we made fun of suffered from some type of mental illness. We were kids, and we didn't know any better. Now I do know better, and I always tell my kids to act with compassion, because you don't know what you would do if you were in their place.

Did you know:

· Nearly one-third (31-32%) of California’s 9th and 11th grade public school students reported extended feelings of sadness/hopelessness in the last year. Among younger students, more than one in four (28%) 7th graders reported such feelings.

· Research shows that half of all mental disorders start by age 14 and three-quarters start by age 24.3

· But, an average of 6 to 8 years pass after the onset of mood disorder symptoms – 9 to 23 years for anxiety disorder symptoms – before young people get help.

Last month I announced my participation in the Each Mind Matters Blog Ambassador program, joining the California Mental Health Services Authority to share ways to learn more about mental illness. Here are three great ways to get informed:

Latino Family Forums: Hosting forums across the state, Citizen Relations has gained deeper understanding on how Latinos view issues related to mental illness. The insights obtained from these forums will be used to engage and inform Latino families with young children about mental health and the dangers of stigma.

· ReachOut.com: An online resource for information and conversation among young people who are struggling with mental health challenges, or who want to help.

· WalkInOurShoes.org: An interactive website featuring real-life narratives from California teens. It includes a place for teens to design a virtual shoe that portrays and communicates each teen’s unique perspective, thoughts and feelings.

Finally, it all begins with you! The only way to end the stigma surrounding mental illness, is for individuals change their mindsets and make a stand. To start, you can Join the Movement, take the Each Mind Matters pledge and learn ways you can support people with mental health challenges.

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for the California Mental Health Services Authority. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. Information (in italics) was provided by the California Mental Health Services Authority, via Mom Central. The views and opinions expressed here are my own. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Make a Natural Difference with Smucker's, Laura Scudder's and Adams Natural Peanut Butter

Monday, January 20, 2014

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Smucker’s. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Peanut butter is a staple in our house! My kids never tire of having peanut butter in their lunches-- in the form of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, peanut butter and chocolate spread rolls, peanut butter and banana burritos, to name a few. Peanut butter is also great to use in Asian salads and stir frys. Finally, we like to snack on peanut butter straight out of the jar! Peanut butter is so healthy, as long as you don't buy the kind with lots of additives like sugar and hydrogenated fats. Plain, natural peanut butter with nothing but peanuts and salt is the best -- like the kind made by Smucker's Natural, Laura Scudder's, and Adams. You really get to taste the peanuts, and you can always add fruit or honey if you like it sweet!

Smucker's, Laura Scudder's, and Adams are committed to nature in more ways than just making natural peanut butter. This January, Smucker’s, Laura Scudder's and Adams Natural Peanut Butter have teamed up to support the national parks through a $100,000 donation to the National Parks Conservation Association's (NPCA) America's Great Waters Program. Starting in January, look for the .25 cent-off coupons on shelves in your local stores towards the purchase of a jar of natural peanut butter. For every coupon redeemed by March 24, 2014, Smucker’s will donate $1 to the NPCA, up to an additional $50,000.

For more information about Smucker's Naturals, Laura Scudder's, and Adam's, as well as their eco-friendly initiatives, head to their respective Facebook pages:

Smucker’s Naturals (https://www.facebook.com/SmuckersNaturalPeanutButter)
Laura Scudder’s (https://www.facebook.com/LauraScuddersPeanutButter)
Adam’s (https://www.facebook.com/AdamsPeanutButter)

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Smucker’s. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating. I. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Bonggamom's Friday Finds: list your giveaways here

Friday, January 17, 2014

Welcome to Bonggamom's Friday Finds! I'm glad so many of you are finding this to be a useful way to get more traffic to your giveaways. And as a person who loves entering giveaways, I have to admit it's a great, easy way to find out where all the best giveaways are.

So feel free to leave links to your giveaways, everyone. And don't forget to get cracking and enter everyone else's, too!

How to show your Disney Side outside the Disney parks

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Have you seen this #DisneySide commercial? It's hilarious! I'm loving all the ways that people are showing their Disney Sides, but this is definitely my favorite, because it shows a ordinary dad showing his Disney Side in an ordinary DIY store. Although Disneyland and Walt Disney World are the best places to show your Disney Side, unfortunately it's not always possible to enjoy time there. Much as we would like to, we can't spend every day in a Disney park, so we have to bring the Disney magic home with us and keep it alive until the next time we visit!

Fortunately, there are so many fun ways to show your Disney Side, even when your next Disney vacation is miles away. Here are my favorite ways to celebrate our Disney Side when we can't be inside a Disney park:

Wear a Mickey shirt

One of the easiest ways to keep the magic alive at home is to dress the part! Disney merchandise is everywhere, and you can get Disney-themed apparel at practically any retailer in town. Even Alfie, who doesn't normally wear Disney tees even inside the park, loves wearing the Jack Skellington tee I gave him last year.

"Disney-fy" your accessories

If Disney apparel isn't your style, sprinkle some pixie dust on your accessories. Seeing Minnie Mouse on my phone every time I pick it up always makes me smile.

Munch on Disney food

Do you find yourself craving Disney park treats? Make them at home! Mickey pancakes, Mickey cookies, Mickey beignets, churros, turkey legs, corn dogs -- even my all-time favorite Dole Pineapple Whip -- can all be enjoyed at home. The taste might not be exactly the same as the real thing, but they're close enough to bring back those magical memories.

Watch a live Disney show

Disney adds heaps of pixie dust to their stage shows, so they are a cut above the rest, just like everything they do! Current Disney Broadway productions include The Lion King, Newsies and Aladdin. I had the pleasure of watching Beauty and the Beast on Broadway many years ago, and again in San Francisco a few years ago, and it is one of the most entertaining productions around. The Lion King remains on my bucket list, and now that Frozen is going to Broadway, I've got another show to watch :) If you don't live near a city with a Disney theatrical production, never fear. Disney has some great live touring shows: Disney Live, Disney Live Jr, and Disney on Ice! These productions tour all over the country, and they feature amazing singers, dancers and special effects. We watch Disney on Ice practically every time it comes into town!

Watch Disney on the silver screen

Last week I listed all the movies I want to see in theatres this year, and a quarter of them were Disney moveis! Disney theatrical releases in 2014 include: Muppets Most Wanted, Captain America: Winter Soldier, Bears, Million Dollar Arm, Maleficent, Planes: Fire and Rescue, Guardians of the Galaxy and Into the Woods.

Visit a Disney Museum

You don't have to pay theme park prices to get your fill of Disney memorabilia. There are several Disney museums scattered across the country, and if you're lucky enough to live near them (or are planning a trip nearby), they're definitely worth a visit.

* The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, CA celebrates the life and legacy of Walt Disney.
* The Walt Disney Hometown Museum is located in Walt's hometown of Marceline, Missouri. The museum contains letters, family artifacts, and other memorabilia.
* There's talk of Walt Disney's birth home in Chicago, IL being turned into a museum. Right now it's privately owned, so you can't enter, but you can still drive by 2156 N. Tripp Avenue to pay homage to Walt's birthplace.
* Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry is currently running a special exhibition featuring over 300 artifacts owned by the Walt Disney Company. Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club runs at the museum until May 2014.
* Walt Disney Concert Hall doesn't have any Disney memorabilia that I'm aware of (I could be wrong: I haven't visited the place myself), but the place is gorgeous, one of the few examples of modern architecture that I really admire (and I do speak from personal experience: I've seen the outside of the building!). The hall offers free self-guided and guided audio tours which I'd love to do someday.

Look for Hidden Mickeys

Hunting for Hidden Mickeys is a popular park activity... but Hidden Mickeys are all around, even outside the parks! A drop of juice, a strangely-shaped cheese puff, a dalmatian's spot, a puffy cloud, a bowl of Cheerios cereal.... almost anything can hide a Hidden Mickey! It's surprising how many you can find if you keep your eyes open. Hidden Mickey Hunting is a game you and your family can play anywhere, anytime.

Throw a DisneySide party

Every day is a celebration at a Disney park, so why not throw a Disney party at home? Any occasion is a great opportunity to celebrate your Disney Side: a birthday party, a graduation party, a baby shower, a Halloween party, a Valentine's party, anything! You don't even need an occasion to throw a Disney movie marathon session, a Disney-themed game night, or a Disney-themed playdate. Whether it's family members only or the whole neighborhood is invited, throwing in Mickey, Minnie, a Disney Princess, Buzz Lightyear, Lightning McQueen, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, or any Disney character is sure to make the event magical!

To celebrate their Disney Side, families across the country will be hosting #DisneySide parties and letting their Disney Side shine! Every celebration will be unique, and every celebration will be special. I'm excited to have been chosen as one of the hosts, and starting February 15, we'll be documenting our celebrations on our blogs and on social media. Follow the fun with the #DisneySide hashtag, and get inspiration to host your own DisneySide celebration with recipes, activity kits and tips on www.disneysidecelebrations.com/. How will you celebrate your DisneySide this year?

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. I will be hosting a #DisneySide @Home celebration featuring party favors and accessories provided by Disney and MomSelect. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Bonggamom's Friday Finds: list your giveaways here

Friday, January 10, 2014

Get fit, not frustrated, with Yurbuds wireless earbuds (and a discount from Best Buy!)

Thursday, January 09, 2014

It happens at the beginning of every year: everyone resolves to get fitter and healthier, drop those bad eating habits, increase the number of workouts. But the number of people who actually stick to those New Year's Resolutions dwindles with every passing day! Sticking to health and fitness goals is challenging for everyone, including me! Here are a few ways to make things easier:

First, have a concrete goal ,whether it's pounds lost or miles run or inches lost or hours slept or number of cigarettes cut.

Next, have a way of measuring your progress. What you use depends on your goal: it could be a weighing scale, a tape measure, a food journal, a tally of how many pushups you can do, or a log of the number of steps you took. Last year, I started walking every week along some steep trails with my friends, and I've decided I want to do more walking this year. To help me keep track of my progress, I went to Best Buy and got myself a FitBit. My friends have nothing but praise for it, and I'm looking forward to a little friendly competition to get all of us going! Since the new FitBit also keeps track of the number of hours you sleep, I'm also hoping it will help me ditch my terrible habit of staying up until 2:00AM when I want to finish a good book!

Many people find that having an incentive can be a great help to stay on track. It can be an inspirational quote that you post on your fridge, a supportive friend who is willing to buddy up with you on your fitness journey, a change jar where you deposit a set amount of money for every goal you accomplish -- whatever gets you going!

Also, sometimes incentives may not be enough. Think of things that will help make the journey itself a bit easier. Consider buying new workout gear or new shoes. Find an activity that you love -- a dance class, pilates, tennis, etc... -- so you look forward to your workout instead of dreading it. Finally, (and this is my personal favorite), when engaging in solitary workouts, set your workout to music! Music is a great way to alleviate the boredom of a long run, walk, or bike ride. When you're listening to your favorite tunes, your workout seems a lot shorter. What's more, the tunes and the beat have a way of inspiring you to do your best! Don't take my word for it: I recently learned from Best Buy that studies have shown that music can increase the intensity and duration of a workout by as much as 15%. So I never go out for a walk or run without my phone and my trusty Yurbuds earbuds (available at Best Buy and other retailers).

I reviewed Yurbuds a couple of years ago and they have quickly become my favorite brand of earphones. I can't recommend them enough -- I've converted my whole family! They seriously never fall out! And they deliver amazing sound. The only thing I could find wrong with them was my usual problem with earphones: a tangled cord. It irritates me to no end having to untangle cords before using them. Now it seems that Yurbuds has come up with a solution: wireless earbuds! They use Bluetooth technology, so they literally have no strings attached! With my Fitbit, phone, and Yurbuds, I have absolutely no excuse not to keep working toward a better fitness level in 2014!

About Yurbuds' new wireless earphones
Cut the cords and unleash your inner athlete with the Inspire Limited Edition Wireless Sport Earphones. These Stereo-Bluetooth® earphones lock in place comfortably so they never hurt and never fall out. The 15mm drivers provide the biggest sound available, providing the motivation you need to #neverstop. These sweat and water resistant earphones feature full track & call control with a wind-blocking microphone designed for call clarity. The athlete tested battery lasts up to 6 hours and provides visual and audible indicators when running low. This is sound with no strings attached.

Are you looking for ways to keep your New Year's resolutions going? I've got two great deals from Best Buy that will help you stay motivated all year long!

Get 20% OFF ALL Yubuds
Enjoy 20% all Yurbuds products at Best Buy! Use coupon code yurbuds20off when purchasing online at BestBuy.com, or print out an in-store coupon by clicking here. This discount is valid 1/19/14-2/22/14

Get a $5 Best Buy Gift Card with purchase
Enjoy a $5 Best Buy Gift Card when you purchase a qualifying Health and Fitness product at a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store! See details, including qualifying products, at http://www.wolfatbestbuy.com/best-buy-mobile-specialty-stores-5-best-buy-gift-card. The offer is valid 1/19/14-2/22/14 at Best Buy Mobile stores (note, it is not valid online or at Best Buy stores!). Check www.BestBuyMobile.com to find a Best Buy Mobile store near you.

Disclosure: I (the reviewer), have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free. Yurbuds wireless information (in italics) and discount information were provided by Best Buy. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Make a New Year's Resolution: Save money by shopping smart at Grocery Outlet!

Sunday, January 05, 2014

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to get back to reality! If you're anything like me, you've probably overindulged just a wee bit -- on food, presents, outings, anything and everything fun during the holidays. I've overspent both my calorie and my dollar budget, so it's time to tighten the belt again and make better choices. Health-wise, the answer is simple: less rich food, more exercise. Money-wise, the answer is also simple. Spend only what you need to... and that means shopping for the best values at places like Grocery Outlet!

Grocery Outlet's purchasing department scours the country for manufacturer overruns, companies that have overordered stock, merchandise with seasonal packaging, to get the deepest discounts. Then they pass the savings on to you! That's how you can get brand name products at up to 50% off conventional prices at Grocery Outlet. No, they don't sell expired or damaged merchandise. In fact, they sell name brands that you know and love, including gourmet and organic brands! Check out the holiday gift basket that Grocery Outlet sent me:

In case you can't see the items in the basket clearly, here's a sample of what they sent:

Maranatha dark chocolate spread
Anna's Almond Thins
Swiss Miss dark chocolate
Kraft marshmallows

That big fluffy item in the back is the coziest fleece blanket you've ever snuggled up in. That's right, Grocery Outlet sells a wide variety of items, including groceries, produce, wine, fresh meat, housewares, beauty products, toys, gifts and more. But you'll never know what you're going to find at any point in time, so you have to keep going regularly to see what great bargains they have each time!

Disclosure: I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

American Girl introduces Isabelle Palmer, American Girl of the Year 2014

Saturday, January 04, 2014

It's 2014, and with the new year comes a new American Girl doll! American Girl's 2014 doll of the year is Isabelle Palmer, a ten year-old girl who lives in Washington, DC. Here's the lowdown on Isabelle:

Who she is: She's an inspired dancer who discovers her own way to shine
Where she lives: Isabelle lives and attends school in Washington, D.C., surrounded by the bustle and culture of the city
What she loves to do: Dance! And design costumes for her ballet routines, too.
Best friends: Luisa, a modern dancer; and Gabriel, a magician.
Fun fact: When Isabelle is dancing, she sometimes pretends she's a water lily skipping and spinning across a pond
Her proudest moment: Earning a spot at the same performing arts school that her sister, Jade, attends.
What changes her life: Realizing that she can use her design skills to help others.
What she discovers: There's no one out there with your unique talents.

Speaking of unique, Isabelle is actually a pretty unique doll. For one thing the 18-inch Isabelle doll is the first American Girl doll to come with removable pink-tipped highlighted hair! Also, Isabelle is the first American Girl doll character whose product line includes individual clothing items. Usually American Girl sells clothing in a set, but Isabelle fans can buy clothing separates -- leotards, sweaters, tank tops, tees, leggings, tutus, skirts, etc.. -- at a cost of $8-$14. Isabelle does have 3 clothing sets -- a pajama set, metallic dress outfit and performance outfit -- ranging from $24 to $38. Much of Isabelle clothing also comes in matching girl sizes. How cool is that?!

The full 2014 Girl of the Year product line includes:

* The Isabelle doll and book ($120)

* Isabelle's acccesory set ($30)

* Isabelle's pet kitten, Tutu ($22)

* Isabelle's dance case ($44)

* Isabelle's studio armoire ($275)

* Isabelle's Dance Barre ($65)

* Isabelle's 3-book series: Isabelle, Designs by Isabelle, and To the Stars, Isabelle.

Even if you don't plan to buy Isabelle for your daughter, there are so many ways to learn about Isabelle's story and explore her world! Isabelle's 3-book series is a great way to start; here are a few more:

Isabelle's movie: A feature-length DVD based on Isabelle's stories, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, will debut in Summer 2014.

Try New Moves with Isabelle: Starting January 1, girls can discover their talents at the online version of the Anna Hart School of the Arts at americangirl.com/girloftheyear. Girls can explore the school’s rooms to learn about ballet, fashion design, writing, acting, and more, plus they can unlock exclusive videos and content related to Isabelle and her upcoming movie. Girls who register at Isabelle’s online academy are entered for a chance to win a monthly drawing for an Isabelle doll and book or the Grand Prize—a deluxe trip for four to New York City and tickets to New York City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker.

Isabelle Apps and Online Play: Girls can get to know Isabelle and her world even better with two special apps—a free app that explores her love of design and an exclusive paid app that’s all about dance. To learn more, search “American Girl” at the Apple App Store. Girls can also visit americangirl.com/play for Isabelle book excerpts, movie-related videos, games, and much more.

Isabelle Learning Guide: A free downloadable curriculum encourages children in grades 3 to 6 to explore and discuss important themes in Isabelle’s stories, such as discovering your own creative inspiration and sharing your talents with others. The Isabelle Learning Guide is available for download at the For Parents and Teachers section on americangirl.com.

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Product information (in italics) and photos were provided by American Girl. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

The 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander GT -- the right car (at the right stage!)

Friday, January 03, 2014

One man's meat is another man's poison.

To each his own.

One man's trash is another man's treasure.

They all mean the same thing: what's right for one person isn't right for everyone. Everyone has different needs, different preferences, different lifestyles. Take the Mitsubishi Outlander GT, for instance. I test drove it last week, and there were lots of features that I liked, and lots of features that I didn't like. Here's a rundown:

Best features:

Luxurious styling: The Outlander has an aerodynamic body, slick wheels, leather everything. It's beautiful to look at, inside and out.

Power. Yes, sometimes I like to go fast. Speed and power are great for overtaking slow idiots in the fast lane, and for getting to the end of a long car trip with 3 impatient kids. When I'm feeling the need for speed, I like the V6 engine and 224 hp. And when I'm feeling guilty about it, I like the Outlander's Eco mode.

Safety and assistance features: There are 2 features which I really love. First, the Outlander's forward collision mitigation system can detect objects ahead of the car that might pose a collision risk (like a car that's braking too suddenly, a tree in the road, etc...). The system warns the driver and if for some reason the driver doesn't apply the brakes, the system automatically applies brakes (first gently, then more firmly as the object draws nearer). Second, the lane-departure warning system beeps if the driver strays across lanes (unless the driver has activated his right or left turn indicators). I, ahem, have a tendency to stray across lanes, so it's a great reminder for me! Both of these safety systems really give peace of mind.

Ease of use: Gone are the days of asking the kids to look back to make sure it's okay to reverse. Gone are the days of struggling with maps, or resisting the temptation to answer your phone when it rings. Gone are the days of cursing the fact that you forgot to charge your phone. The Outlander has a great rearview camera, kickass lights that light up even the sides, USB charging, smartphone connectivity, and all the things that make driving a pleasure, not a burden.

Worst features:

Seating space: The driver and passenger seats are roomy enough, but I found the second row seating surprisingly tight. There is no way 3 adults can fit comfortably for a decent length of time. There is hardly any leg room or width to spare! None of our 3 back seat passengers are big people -- The Pea is about 5' 5") and my two in-laws are both shorter -- but they were quite uncomfortable. The middle seat is especially uncomfortable because your legs run into the center console.

3rd row seating: I was warned about the "snug" 3rd row seats, but I didn't realize how "snug" they were until 3Po and Jammy sat in them. They are average-sized 10 year old boys, and they could barely fit. Their knees hit the back of the 2nd row seat, so there's no way an adult could fit there. The 3rd row seat should definitely be reserved for carpools with your kids' friends!

Cargo space: The problem with carpools is, the more kids you have, the more stuff you have to fit inside the car. And when the 3rd row seat of the Outlander GT is being used, cargo space is practically nonexistent. There is barely enough space to fit in 2 big gym bags. If the 3rd row seat is not in use, cargo space is decent -- but then my 3 kids would have to squish into the 2nd row seat. I can image all the "Move over!" and "He's poking meeeeeee!!".

With all its space issues, the Mitsubishi Outlander GT is not the car I'd choose for my 5 person family (plus various relatives and friends who ride along with us!) at this point in time. But does that mean I don't like it? Heck, no! One man's trash, one man's treasure, right? It's all about different ages and stages!

IMHO, the Mitsubishi Outlander GT is a wonderful vehicle for young, carefree singles or couples who like to live fast and free, who don't like the impracticality of sportscars but love their speed. It's great for people who love adventure, because it has the space to stow all the gear for their adventures, as well as the power to take their to those adventures. The Outlander GT also transitions well into the next stage of life, i.e. starting a family -- but once the family grows to beyond two kids, or once the kids grow beyond the preschooler stage, it's time to graduate this car from the "family" car to the "second" car. It will become the perfect car once again when your kid becomes a teenager: with all those safety features, it's the perfect car to teach your teenager how to drive, and it's such a cool car, your teen will love driving it!

For more information about the Mitsubishi Outlander, check out Mitsubishi Motor's website.

Disclosure: I received a Mitsubishi Outlander GT to test drive for a week, courtesy of Drive STI . The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

Bonggamom's Friday Finds: list your giveaways here

Friday, January 03, 2014

$50 Grocery Gift Card giveaway

Friday, January 03, 2014

Obviously I'm still in vacation mode, because there are two tiny occasions that I still haven't celebrated on this blog:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

and

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY TO MY SONS, 3PO & JAMMY!!

So once again, this is a belated celebration giveaway, but better late than never! One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a $50 grocery gift card! The card is valid at any of the following locations:

Albertsons
Hornbacker's
Jewel-Osco
Lucky
Shoppers
Shop 'n Save
Cub
Shaw's and Star Market
Farm Fresh
Acme

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and share one of your New Year's resolutions.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

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4) Pin this giveaway on any of your Pinterest boards (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

5) "Like" Bonggamom Finds on Facebook and write this on my wall (1 entry):
I entered the grocery giveaway! http://ow.ly/sfAGn

6) Tweet this (1 entry per day)

Share a New Year's resolution and you could win a $50 grocery gift card! Enter by 1/31/14 on @bonggafinds: http://ow.ly/sfAGn

7) Join any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry per giveaway you've joined)

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on January 31, 2014; I will draw a winner at random on Feb 1 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. I incurred all expenses associated with this giveaway. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

IHOP All You Can Eat Pancakes are back

Friday, January 03, 2014

Hurrah, IHOP's All You Can Eat Pancakes deal is back! From January 2 through February 9, 2014, guests can order one of IHOP restaurant’s delicious combos featuring eggs any style, crispy hash browns, and a choice of pork sausage links, crisp bacon or ham — all with a plate of two delicious signature Buttermilk Pancakes, or they can order a stack of five Buttermilk pancakes as a main course. Either way, when those pancakes are gone, guests can get an additional serving of two pancakes. And when those are gone…they’ll keep on coming as long as the guest can keep eating them!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

MyTravel Pillow review and giveaway

Thursday, January 02, 2014

I have loved to travel ever since I was a little girl. Just the act of traveling was romantic and exciting; I remember having a great time in the airplane restrooms, just marveling at how tiny and compact everything was, pretending I was a flight attendant and showing people how things worked!

Now, of course, the romance of the actual journey has somewhat receded, and if I could just beam myself to my destination instantaneously, I would. Who needs the stiff back and sore neck that comes from all those long journeys! When we travel by car, I like to bring a pillow along, but pillows take up so much room -- which is why I was more than happy to try out MyPillow's travel-sized pillow, the MyTravel Pillow. It's about the size of a toddler pillow (12"x18"), and it comes with its own carry sack.

About MyTravel Pillow
MyTravel Pillow is 1/3 the size of a standard pillow and can be used on a plane, train, couch or road trips. The two attached elastic straps also allow the pillow to be rolled up and easily packed into its blue carrying case. MyTravel Pillow has the same patented open-cell, poly-foam pillow design as MyPillow which allows the pillow to breathe, providing a cooling effect and adjusts to fit every sleep position. MyTravel Pillow retails for $29.95.

Since receiving the MyTravel Pillow in December, I've taken it on an hour-long flight to Vegas, a 2-hour car trip to Napa Valley, and a 4-hour car trip to Reno. This pillow is great! It's travel-sized, so it's easier to carry around, but it's just as soft and comfy as a regular pillow (unlike many other travel pillows, which feel like fleece-covered rocks!). The pillow has 2 elastic bands attached so you can roll the pillow up for storage:

It also comes with its own carry case so it doesn't get dirty when you're not using it:

I wish it also came with a pillowcase, though! MyPillow does sell a toddler-sized pillowcase which is just about the same size as the MyTravel Pillow, or you could search online for toddler-sized pillowcases in case you want teddy bear prints or something other than plain white! The MyTravel Pillow is the closest thing you'll get to your favorite bed pillow when you travel, and it sure does make journeys a whole lot more comfortable. Check it out!

Win a MyTravel Pillow
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a MyTravel Pillow.

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post telling me where your travels will take you in 2014.

Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Follow bonggamom on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (1 entry)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Pin this giveaway on any of your Pinterest boards (1 entry -- you can use the "Pin It" button at the bottom of this page!).

5) "Like" Bonggamom Finds on Facebook and write this on my wall (1 entry):
I entered the MyTravel Pillow giveaway! http://ow.ly/rTppr

6) Tweet this (1 entry per day):
Travel in comfort with the MyTravel Pillow! You could win one on @bonggafinds; enter by 1/16 at http://ow.ly/rTppr

7) Join any open giveaway on Bonggamom Finds (1 entry per giveaway you've joined)

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on January 16, 2014; I will draw a winner at random on January 17 and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.

Disclosure: I received a product sample to review, and a second to give away.. Product information (in italics) is provided by MyPillow The views and opinions expressed here are my own.