Finding Nemo Activity Sheets

Here's another set of activity sheets your child is sure to enjoy -- who doesn't love Nemo? Click on the photo above to view and download a set of Finding Nemo activity sheets, including a growth chart, maze and coloring sheets.  Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo was released on Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Platforms earlier this month, so you can head over to your local retailer and pick up a copy to enjoy over the holidays.  Just keep swimming!


Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Holiday baking with C&H Light

Okay, I'll admit it.  I'm a sucker for baked goods around the holidays. Making and enjoying good food is such a huge part of the holidays, and there's no way I can resist all the goodies that are floating around.  I'd rather work out an extra hour every day than miss out on apple pie, sugar cookies, holiday bread, cocoa and marshmallows, chocolate truffles and peppermint bark!

That's why I love sugar blends like new C&H Light. Sugar substitutes help you save calories, but sometimes you get a bitter aftertaste, and you almost never get the same texture that you would have with real sugar.  But C&H Light is a blend of sugar cane & stevia extract, so it looks, feels and tastes like regular sugar.  It's 100% natural.  It's sweet, like sugar.  You measure it out and pour it just like you do with sugar.  You get a great approximation of the texture that 100% sugar would give you.  But you can save over 350 calories per cup of sugar!

350 calories!  That's a whole half hour of running on the treadmill!  But of course, the Million Dollar Question is, how does it taste?  I decided to bake a batch of sugar cookies with C&H sugar and a second batch with C&H Light, and compare the two batches.

There are subtle differences when baking with C&H light compared with baking with pure sugar, but with the sugar cookie recipe, at least, it was almost impossible to tell.  Both batches looked almost identical, and my kids couldn't really taste the difference.

The sugar cookies were delicious with a glass of strawberry milk :)

They taste even better when they're rolled out, cut into holiday shapes and decorated with icing and candy!

With so many snowmen and sugar cookie men to be made and eaten this holiday season, it's a good thing I can make a lower-sugar version with C&H Light.

Check back next week for another recipe I tried with C&H Light -- and a giveaway for a $25 Visa gift card!


Disclosure: I received a gift card from C&H Light to purchase ingredients for holiday baking with C&H Light.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Monsters, Inc. in 3D opens today

Don't forget, Disney/Pixar's Monsters, Inc 3D opens everywhere today!  What a great movie to take the kids to on winter break.  And while we're talking monsters, who else is excited for the opening of Monsters University on June 21, 2013?  Check out the Monsters University Facebook page for all the latest updates!


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

Are you ready for your winter travels?  Did you pack all your clothes, shoes, outdoor gear, toiletries, medicines... but what about the Dramamine®?  Motion sickness can occur in kids and adults, and it can occur in any type of moving vehicle -- cars, boats, planes, trains, you name it.  I suffered from motion sickness as a child -- my poor mother always had to ask for extra airsick bags on the plane!

Traveling by boat can be a wonderful adventure -- as long as your stomach cooperates!

I still suffer from motion sickness (not so much on planes anymore but occasionally in cars and always on boats), so I know first hand how awful it can be.  I always carry some Dramamine with me just in case the nausea and dizziness become too overwhelming -- and now, with new Dramamine® Less Drowsy, I don't have to deal with the grogginess. Fortunately my kids don't suffer as much as I do, but 3Po is starting to feel carsick on our road trips to Tahoe, so I'm glad I can give them Dramamine® for Kids if they need it.  It's so easy to keep some in the car or in your purse, and you can avoid so many (literally) sticky situations!

Keep reading to find out more about how Dramamine® can  help you with holiday travels -- and enter to win some Dramamine® for your own holiday travels!

Dramamine®, the leading brand of motion sickness relief for adults, is expanding its line just in time for the Holiday and Winter travel season to include Dramamine® for Kids. Also new to the line is Dramamine® Less Drowsy, which offers the same great relief as original, but with of drowsiness, an unwanted side effect.

Dramamine® for Kids treats symptoms on the spot, relieving nausea, dizziness and vomiting and prevents motion sickness before it happens. Moms trust Dramamine®, believe it is safe, and feel comfortable giving it to their kids. Dramamine® for Kids comes in a safe, precise children’s dose, avoiding the need to cut adult tablets.

For adults, Dramamine® Less Drowsy relieves motion sickness symptoms with less drowsiness for up to 24 hours with only one tablet.

Motion sickness is a problem for both adults and kids alike. According to an Omnibus Study in June 2011, 34% of households with children ages 2-12, have a child with motion sickness. This is three times the rate for adult motion sickness (10% of households.) Motion sickness is most prevalent in cars, followed by airplanes and boats. Typical symptoms are nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.

“When a family member gets sick on vacation, it’s a problem for the whole family,” says Madeline Blaize, Assistant Brand Manager for Prestige Brands. “Dramamine® for Kids and Dramamine® Less Drowsy can help prevent the problem, allowing everyone to enjoy that long awaited summer trip.”

Dramamine® for Kids comes in a safety travel case with 8 chewable tablets that have a great-tasting grape flavor. Dramamine® Less Drowsy is available in an 8 count travel vial.



Win a Holiday Travel Kit from Dramamine
TWO lucky Bonggamom Finds readers will each win a holiday travel kit from Dramamine containing the following:

* Canvas Travel Tote
* Dramamine® Original (1)
* Dramamine® Less Drowsy (1)
* Dramamine® Children’s (1)
(Approximate Retail Value: $30)

Required Entry
"Like" the  Dramamine® Facebook page, then leave a comment on this post and tell me the name of a store near your home that sells Dramamine (check out Dramamine's Where to Buy link on their website to find a store near you!).

Bonus Entries

1) Follow Bonggamom on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (5 entries)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

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

5) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Dramamine giveaway!

6) Follow @day2dayprinting on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry):
Enter to win a Dramamine holiday travel kit (2 winners) at http://ow.ly/fPMle ends 12/31

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on Dec 31, 2012; I will draw 2 winners at random on Jan 1, 2013  and post their names after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.



Disclosure: Dramamine is providing 2 holiday travel kits for giveaway prizes as well as a third kit for me. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Wreck It Ralph Activity Sheets

It's the second day of winter break... are your kids driving you up the wall yet?  Here are some Wreck It Ralph activity sheets to print out and keep them busy for a while!  When they're done, take them to see Wreck It Ralph the movie (it is totally awesome!), then after you exit the theatre, download Wreck It Ralph Storybook Deluxe and the Wreck It Ralph app to keep the magic of the movie going throughout the holidays!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Great Stocking Stuffer Idea: Spot It! On the Road

Schools are just about to close for the winter break, and families everywhere are packing their suitcases for some holiday travel.  Whether you're visiting grandma, heading to a family reunion at Disney World, or taking advantage of the break to see the world, you're in for some long road trips and some really antsy kids.

This holiday season we're doing quite a bit of road travel as we visit some remote areas around the Philippines.  I don't like the thought of kids burying their heads in video games the whole trip, so I ask them to balance screen time with some old-fashioned ways to pass the time:  read a book, look out the window and drink in the scenery, or play road games like "I Spy" or "Travel Bingo".  Now we have a way to combine all of that in one fun game:  Spot It! On the Road from Blue Orange Games.  Spot It! On the Road is a spin-off of their award winning Spot It! game, and it's a fun combination of "I Spy" and "Travel Bingo".  Players have to try and spot one of the objects on a card, and the first one to do so wins the card.  The player with the most cards at the end of the game wins!  Easy peasy, and super fun.

I like this game because it's small enough to take anywhere, and it features a wide variety of common objects you can find on road trips, so you don't have to rack your brains to think of something to give the kids to look for.  There's no reading required, so any age can play, and you don't need to bother with pens or paper or bingo markers.  What could be better for a holiday stocking stuffer or present -- the gift of fun, stress-free family travel!


Disclosure:  I received a product sample to facilitate my review, but have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information (in italics) is provided by the featured company/product. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Check out The Second Talk on Poise {Giveaway}

My daughter started 6th grade this year, and although it seems like she's making a seamless transition to middle school, a small part of me worries, because I know from exprerience how crazy those years can be. As if dealing with changing schedules and changing workloads weren't enough, she's also going to have to deal with her changing body and all the challenges that come with it. I've tried to help her prepare for it as best as I can; we've had THE TALK, so she knows all about what's to come: the hormones, the zits, the boobs, the mood swings, the cramps, the period. Forewarned is forearmed, right?

With The Pea's menstruation on the horizon, I can't help but look a few years ahead to another stage of life, this time one of my own: menopause. The truth is, menopause can be just as confusing and just as uncomfortable as menstruation was for us so many years ago! With all that's going on, women need as much support during the onset of menopause as they did during the onset of menstruation -- but not all women are lucky enough to have a mother or an aunt or a friend who is willing to share what they went through with menopause.

Fortunately, Poise is introducing The 2nd Talk, a new site that's perfect for women who need someone to give them the menopausal version of THE TALK. Any woman can share their personal stories about menopause and keep the conversation going about the changes you go through after 40. My own mother was uncomfortable enough giving me THE TALK the first time around, so The 2nd Talk is a godsend! This site doesn't hold back -- topics include not only the well-known hot flashes and night sweats, but also the less frequently mentioned issues like mood swings and intimacy, as well as cringe-inducing topics like bladder leakage and vaginal odor. I can't imagine asking my mother how her vajayjay smelled when she started menopause, so it's nice to have The 2nd Talk to see what other women have to say about it.

I checked out The 2nd Talk, and there are hundreds of stories from real women who went through or are going through menopause. Every woman is different, and everyone experiences menopause differently, so it's nice to get everyone's stories all in one place. The stories I found particularly useful were those talking about the first signs of menopause. I have a thyroid disorder, and I found out that some symptoms are identical to symptoms of a thyroid disorder (racing heart, fatigue), so now I know that if I do experience those symptoms, it might not be my thyroid disorder acting up, it might be menopause! I also liked the stories that give readers tips on how to cope with menopause -- suggestions included finding a good doctor, doing yoga, and best of all, keeping a sense of humor. There are definitely women who've taken that advice, because the site is sprinkled with amusing menopause stories! Here are some snippets from my favorites:

Norma P: I began to sweat a ton in my face- so much that drops were falling off the tip of my nose onto the desk in front of me!

Susan: I would wake up soaking wet and have to change nightgowns.

Gina: I took a little too long to get up from my desk and run to the b-room. when I got there, the guy was cleaning so I start to tinkle while I hope and prayed it didn't penetrate my pants.

Margaret R: Soon after I stopped getting my period for good, I was in the store and out of sheer force of habit I picked up sanitary napkins, which I obviously didn't need anymore! One of first of many forgetful "menopause moments!"

Beverly: A few years ago, my older co-teacher was having hot flashes and would actually wear a towel in class around her neck.

So funny! But as Beverly writes further on, "Well-fast forward two years....I don't think hot flashes are quite so funny anymore!"

So great that these women are willing to laugh at themselves a bit -- but more importantly, let everyone know that despite their horror stories, they survived menopause, and so will you. That's what makes this site such a great resource -- sure, it gives you lots of information, but even better, it lets you know that you are not alone. Check it out!


Win a "Hot Flash Prize Pack" from Poise
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a Hot Flash Prize Pack featuring a $50 gift card and Poise products.

Required Entry
To enter, leave a comment on this post and share your favorite story from the2ndtalk.com

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 Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (5 entries)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

4) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry)

5) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Poise 2ndTalk giveaway!

6) Follow @bonggafinds on twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a Hot Flash gift pack w/ $50 giftcard from Poise! Enter by 1/7/13 at http://ow.ly/gc8i3 #giveaway

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PST on Jan. 7, 2013; I will draw a winner at random on Jan. 8, 2013 and post his/her name after he/she confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure:  This is a paid post, courtesy of Poise.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Join RMHC and Give the Gift of Togetherness

More than 11,500 moms, dads, brothers, sisters and grandparents find compassion and healing within the walls of our Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms every day. There they find caring, supportive staff and volunteers, home-cooked meals, relaxing living spaces, comfortable beds, and a vital support network to give them strength so they can help their child heal.

But to serve more families and keep their programs running strong, they need help. Simply put, their big job of keeping families together can’t get done without your support. No way. So from November till the end of December, RMHC is launching a Gift of Togetherness campaign to rally people around the most meaningful gift of all this holiday season – the gift of family. The campaign’s hero is a little red ribbon, helping to illustrate and share RMHC family stories and the impact you can have in your community and globally. On RMHC.org, through their e-newsletter and direct mail, through the media waves, and even in print, RMHC is spreading the word and we really hope we can recruit your voice to help.

Ronald McDonald House Charities has a lofty goal – they need to raise $1 million to support RMHC and its Chapters by the end of the year. Here are five simple ways that people can give back to RMHC this holiday season.

Visit RMHC.org to learn more about the Gift of Togetherness: watch the feature story, which tells the story of the Maley family, and then watch several other RMHC family testimonials. You will also be able to learn how your donations add up, start a Group Give fundraising page, and then share your experience with friends and family.

Donate – even the smallest amount goes a long way in giving families comfort, hope and healing.
Start your own Group Give fundraising page benefiting RMHC or your favorite RMHC Chapter. Ask your family and friends to get involved and demonstrate strength in numbers in your network.

* Use your Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest pages to spread the word about the campaign – share the Maley video, share the campaign imagery, share how your support of RMHC helps give families the gift of togetherness all year long, and invite others to get involved.

* Add this signature to your email messages from November 1 through December 31. (Depending on what version of Outlook you have, you should be able to change your signature, adding the image below by clicking on Tools/Options/Mail Format/Stationery.)

Disclosure: Full text for this post was provided by McDonalds via the Family Arches Community. I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post -- I just RMHC is a worthwhile cause.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Bonggamom's Friday Finds -- list your giveaways here

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!

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American Girl items for sale at Costco

A couple of days ago I visited Costco for the first time in almost a year -- and look at what I've been missing!  They are selling American Girl products at great prices!  You can find American Girl mini dolls, books and pets at bookstores like Barnes & Noble, so it's a no-brainer for American Girl -- they get to expand their market without cannibalizing any of their online or in-store sales by offering them at Costco.  It's a no-brainer for American Girl fans as well!  Here's a run-down of the items I saw:

Kit Kitteridge mini doll and 6-book Kit set: $35.99

Marie-Grace mini doll and 6-book Marie-Grace & Cecile set: $35.99

Sugar's Travel Carrier Set: $22.99

Honey's Travel Carrier Set: $22.99

Pepper's Travel Carrier Set: $22.99

Doll Diner Set: $44.99 (???)

The Doll Diner Set was the most interesting of the whole bunch, but I'm bashing myself on the head because I didn't really take a closer look!   If I remember correctly, the set was $44.99 but don't quote me on that (if anyone can confirm that price, please leave a comment below!).  From what I can tell, the set consists of a tri-fold, reversible cardboard diner backdrop, cardboard furniture, mini treats and accessories, and an idea book. It looks adorable -- and if I'm correct about the price, really affordable.  Had I not already bought The Pea her holiday presents, I would have totally grabbed this.  Hmmm, maybe I'll grab it anyway...



Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Holiday card giveaway from Day2Day Printing

Over the years, as we've met new people and made new friends, our holiday card list has grown and grown, and now we order a ton of cards!  It's even not like we're social butterflies; I have many friends whose holiday card list is even larger. They or their spouses may be venture capitalists, or they may be professionals, or have their own small business, so they send holiday cards not only to friends and family, but to their clients or business partners as well.  They may want their holiday cards to include their business logo, so the card designs on major online stationery companies, while lovely, are not really appropriate.  But they still want the convenience of online ordering that online stationery companies offer.

Enter Day2DayPrinting, an established online printing company with 25 years of experience.  They are a wonderful solution for printing with a completely customized design.  You're not restricted by any design templates; with Day2DayPrinting, you are given a completely blank slate and you upload your own design.  They offer a wide range of products and services, from from holiday card printing to holiday cards to brochures, annual reports, promotional items, letterhead, business cards and more.

Here's what makes Day2DayPrinting different from their competitors:

* They've been in the printing business for 25 years.

* Their personalized consultative service lets them design a custom printing package tailored to their customers' needs.

* They donate a percentage of every single sale to charity organizations so others will be happy as much as we are.

* They use environmentally friendly materials:  recycled paper, vegetable oil based inks and zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials.

* They plant over 1,000 trees per year as a further commitment to environmental responsibility.

Whether you're a small business owner looking for bulk mailing services, or a photographer looking to print holiday cards for their clients, or a pet sitter looking to advertise their services, or even a parent looking to create a My First Christmas card for their new baby boy, Day2Day Printing is worth a look.

Win 30 Free Holiday Cards plus Free Shipping from Day2Day Printing!
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win 30 Free 30 Free 5” x 7” Full Color Holiday Cards Printed on 14 Pt. Recycled Paper and Free Envelopes, PLUS Free shipping, from Day2Day Printing

Required Entry
Check out Day2Day Printing's special holiday card page, then leave a comment telling me which of their designs is your favorite.

Bonus Entries

1) Like Day2DayPrinting on Facebook (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (5 entries)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

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

5) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Day2DayPrinting holiday card giveaway!

6) Follow @day2dayprinting on Twitter and tweet this (1 entry):
Enter to win 30 free holiday cards from @day2dayprinting at bit.ly/VNBUZEends 12/17

The Rules

*30 Free Postcards + $9 Flat Rate Shipping in US. (Excluded Alaska, Hawaii)
*Coupon Can Be Applied As Discount to Purchase More Than 30 Postcards
*One Set Of 30 Free Cards Per Customer
*Must Provide Valid Shipping Address (No PO Box)
*Coupon is Not Combinable With Other Discounts or Promotions
*Must Be Over 18 and United States Resident
*Must Claim the Offer Before 01/15/2013

*This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on Dec 17, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on Dec. 18  and post their name after they confirm acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  Giveaway prize is provided by Day 2 Day Printing.. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Win 1 of 12 Giveaways till Free Shipping Day with RetailMeNot

I was at the post office last week and already it is the busiest place in town.  The lines were out the door!  Everyone is busy mailing their holiday cards and gift to family and friends.   Waiting in line can be a major headache during a time that's already filled with stress, so here are a few tips to help you deal with holiday shipping:

* Check out the US Postal Service's important holiday shipping deadline dates -- and remember that lines will be longer on the deadline dates!

* Allow an extra 5-10 minutes at the post office due to lines.

* Avoid the post office during lunch hours, and just before or after work hours (9AM, 5-6PM).

* Invest in a good weighing scale so you can weigh your own packages, buy and print postage online, and schedule a pickup right from your home.

* Avoid dealing with the post office entirely:  purchase holiday presents from online retailers and have them shipped directly to the gift recipient's home.


Personally, I like that last tip the best.  It's so much easier to order online: you can do it in your pajamas  after the kids are in bed and the stores are closed, you don't waste gas, and you can even save money with online coupons from sites like RetailMeNot.com!  They have thousands of coupons and holiday offers for your favorite retailers, plus free shipping and guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve if you shop now until Free Shipping Day (December 17th).

Here's another reason to do your online shopping via RetailMeNot -- they are hosting a daily countdown giveaway! Enter their 12 Days 'til Free Shipping Day Giveaway every day through the 17th for a chance to win daily prizes like a $1,000 shopping spree at Kohl’s, a vacation for two and much more!

Happy holiday shopping and holiday shipping!


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from One2One Network and RetailMeNot.com. All opinions stated are my own.
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Introducing Pantene AgeDefy Haircare {Giveaway}

This is a photo of a grey hair I discovered on my 40th birthday.  Since then, frizzy grey hairs have been popping up at such an alarming rate, my head might just as well be a field of daisies in the springtime!  I never thought I'd be as bothered about grey hairs and aging hair as I am, but I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to look your best, especially when it can be as easy as switching to a new line of hair care products -- even better when it's from a brand I already know and love, like Pantene.  Keep reading to find out about Pantene's new AgeDefy hair care products (and enter for a chance to win some samples!):

Exciting News!  Pantene has launched a new line of AgeDefy hair care products that can actually make your hair look up to ten years younger – and best of all, the secret to younger-looking hair is available at your local Target. The recently-launched Pantene AgeDefy line featuring Shampoo, Conditioner, Masque and Thickening Treatment was created to counteract the seven signs of hair’s aging.

To get to the root of hair thinning, Pantene partnered with experts in the field, compiling clinical data from more than 1000 women. The result is a much better picture of age-related changes in density and diameter. Through its research Pantene discovered new truths about hair aging, including seven signs that women experience:

1. Breakage
2. Split Ends
3. Frizz
4. Unruly Grays
5. Lackluster Color
6. Thin look
7. Dryness

The key findings also revealed the hair aging process begins before menopause, around age 35, and symptoms go beyond graying and thinning.

From November 18 through the end of December, Target stores nationwide will highlight new anti-aging products that offer women hair and skin anti-aging secrets that ‘help you drop a decade or more.’ New Olay Professional anti-aging products will also be featured.

To celebrate these new ways to look younger, Procter & Gamble has created a special prize package featuring select AgeDefy products, plus a Target gift card so the winner can try more of the products from Target!

Win Pantene AgeDefy products
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a Pantene Expert Collection AgeDefy prize pack ($44.94 value), consisting of:

· Pantene Expert Collection AgeDefy Shampoo
· Pantene Expert Collection AgeDefy Conditioner
· Pantene Expert Collection Advanced Thickening Treatment
· $10 Target Gift Card

Required Entry
To enter, leave a comment on this post and tell me your biggest hair issue you've experienced as you age, um, mature :)

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 Finds on Blogger (1 entry)

2) Follow bonggamom on Instagram (5 entries)

3) Follow bonggamom on Pinterest (1 entry)

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

5) Like Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (1 entry)

6) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Pantene AgeDefy giveaway!

7) Follow @bonggafinds on twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day):
RT @bonggafinds Win a Pantene AgeDefy Prize Pack worth $45! Enter by 1/7/2013 at bit.ly/VqjnNo

The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PST on Jan. 7, 2013; I will draw a winner at random on Jan. 8 and post his/her name after he/she confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure: I received a prize package from Procter & Gamble for my personal use and a second prize pack to give away.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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Holi-Day Out With Thomas is Back at the Boardwalk!

It's that time of year again!  Kids are anxiously awaiting the arrival of one of their most beloved friends.   No, I'm not talking about Santa Claus, I'm talking about Thomas the Tank!  He's chugging into the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the Holi-Day Out with Thomas event:

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The Holiday Out With Thomas event includes a 25 minute train ride led by a life-sized Thomas decorated for the holidays and ready to greet his friends in Santa Cruz. Festivities also include a spin on the Boardwalk’s 101-year old Looff Carousel, face painting, a choice of arcade games, miniature golf or laser tag; a “make and take” Thomas ornament, and photo opportunities with Holiday Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway. Thomas & Friends™ merchandise will also be available.

When: December 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23
Train Hours: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm
400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Holiday Out With Thomas tickets are $24.00 per person. Ticket price includes a 25 minute round-trip Thomas train ride departing from the Boardwalk featuring interactions with Santa and his elves, candy canes, holiday carols and a souvenir song book, face painting, a “make and take” Thomas ornament, a Carousel ride, plus a choice of arcade tokens, laser tag, or mini-golf on the Boardwalk.

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We attended last year's Holi-Day Out With Thomas and had a blast, but unfortunately we're not going to get a chance to ride Thomas this year, so I'm sharing some photos from last year's event below (I'll take any opportunity to show off photos of my kids :)    Here's a sampling of the delights in store for you:

Kids will love seeing Thomas at the front end of the train.  They'll be so excited to know that they're riding on a train pulled by their favorite Tank Engine!

(But shhhhh, don't tell the kids, the real work is done by this bad boy on the other end of the train!)

Each of the train cars is decorated with holiday greenery and lights.  

You can book a seat in a covered car or an outside car.  Don't worry, the outside cars have canopy roofs so you're still protected from the elements.  

The covered cars are as beautifully decorated on the inside as they are on the outside.  Throughout the 25-minute train ride, holiday helpers dressed in Victorian-era costumes or dressed as elves will be walking up and down the aisles, ringing bells and singing carols.  They'll hand out lyric sheets so everyone can sing along, and there's a karaoke station on one train car so your kid can sing in front of the mike!  Santa Claus will also be making the rounds, so be prepared with your camera.  Everything is so festive, your family is guaranteed to get in the holiday mood!  

Once the train ride is over (or before it begins), don't miss the other activities included in the price of your ticket: have your photo taken with Sir Topham Hatt, ride the Boardwalk Carousel, make a paper Thomas ornament, play with trains on the Thomas train tables, and enjoy a game of mini golf, laser tag or arcade games.  Plan to spend an hour or two on these activities before or after your train ride.  

If you want to get an even better idea of what you'll see and do at Holi-Day Out With Thomas, you can  check out my Holi-Day Out With Thomas post from last year for more photos and a description!  You can also visit the Holi-Day Out With Thomas website for more photos, the complete schedule, FAQs and to buy tickets (definitely buy in advance!)

I'm recommending it as a must-do holiday event if you have young kids, whether or not they are big Thomas fans (and if they are Thomas fans, it's a Double Triple Must-Do!).

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post.  I just think it's a cool event!  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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